Nagaland is a small region, but it is astonishingly diverse may be not in geography but in the cultural lineage of the people who inhabit this land of the hornbill. The hornbill feather, which is an inseparable part of the Naga headgear, is a simple black and white. It is not as rainbow coloured as the peacock feather, but still it has its own magnificence. It is symbolic of a way of life which is simple, sturdy and straightforward. It is beauty in its most elemental form. The contrast of black and white catches the eye and it dazzles us with its simplicity; and so does the Naga way of life. Different tribes, different music, different dance, different cuisines, different dress unite and merge in the glory of the hornbill feather – a symbol of the indigenous culture of Nagaland. This unity is beautifully and vividly presented in the book – Where Warriors Waltz, Festivals of Nagaland.

The book published by Department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland, is a feast for the eyes and it launches a panoramic journey which gives us an unforgettable impression of Nagaland and its indigenous inhabitants. It is a hard bound book having 148 pages. The print quality is extremely good and the pages are glossy which add to the charm and magic of the pictures. The book proves the point that a picture speaks a thousand words. There are a few words in the book but many pictures.

However, this perfect showcase of Naga culture has a lacuna. It doesn’t have any map. A simple topographical map could have made this book look more professional. Another drawback is that the book is not handy. But then the enchanting pictures more than compensate for the difficult to carry extra large size. Although at Rs 1200/- it is a bit pricy, yet be assured that it is worth the money; and it is a real collector’s item.

The language used is lucid and easy to comprehend. The overall presentation is objective. It is neither judgemental nor propagandist, but a pictorial description of the facts. The book gives us an insight into Naga culture. But in no way it is exhaustive rather it is just a bird’s eye view. It highlights a way of life which expounds the pristine glory of nature ; and goes back to the roots of the human civilisation. Warriors and damsels, men and maidens take part in the harvest festival with gusto and grandeur. The agile beauty and athletic build of the Naga body is portrayed; and it throws light on the fact that games and sports, dance and music are an integral part of Naga social life.

The book also successfully captures the fiercely independent spirit of the Naga culture. The spears and the shields; the machetes (dao) and the masks bring out the martial spirit, but war is not the primary objective. Destruction and creation are the two sides of the same coin; and the creative aspect of the Naga psyche is best reflected in the attire. The colour red plays a dominant role in the Naga apparel. The dresses are simple but elaborately decorated by a liberal use of beads and bracelets. The headdress of the warriors and the ornament of the belles, all speak of a strong cultural identity.

The book is a true representation of the Naga way of life. Its picture story takes us on a magic carpet ride; and we witness chunks of Naga life. The setting and the rituals all bring home the fact that the Nagas are still in touch with Gaia. They have not yet cut the umbilical cord that connects us to our roots, to mother earth, and that the modern technocrat civilisation of metropolitan cities have lost and forgotten. The tribes of Nagaland still know the sacred way and are not lost in the maze of technology and commerce; and the book overwhelmingly succeeds in bringing this to life in all its vivacity, exuberance and colour.

The book is written by Rahul Karmakar and the photographs are taken by Merimvu Doulo; and to conclude I must say that they have done a really appreciable job.

Saptarshi Majumder, TGT English