Akole Tetseo, a passionate advocate for Naga heritage, learned the art of jewelry-making from her mother and later founded Tsanino, a jewelry emporium in Kohima. Through her craft, she preserves and promotes the timeless beauty of Naga traditional jewelry, while mentoring young people to continue the legacy. For Akole, Naga jewelry is more than adornment—it is “the most treasured and prestigious asset among the Nagas,” reflecting status, identity, and ancestral pride.

Naga jewelry tells powerful stories. Among warrior tribes, items like the brass trophy head necklace symbolize bravery and honor. Each brass head represents an enemy defeated, linked to the now-abolished headhunting tradition that once defined manhood and spiritual strength. These symbolic pieces were proudly displayed in homes as emblems of courage and communal pride.

Both Naga men and women wear jewelry that signifies a deep connection to their land, customs, and social roles. The craftsmanship uses materials like beads, feathers, bones, shells, stones, wood, brass, and ivory—each chosen for its meaning and beauty. Men's jewelry includes boar tusks, deer teeth, beaded belts, cuffs, chest crossbands, and practical items like brass leg rings used for climbing. These bold accessories celebrate their hunting skills and masculinity.

Women’s jewelry, on the other hand, is more intricate and delicate. From beaded necklaces to waist pieces and medallions, their adornments often serve as heirlooms passed down through generations—tokens of familial and cultural inheritance. Earrings made from shells, paper, or cotton wool show their inventive craftsmanship.

Through Tsanino, Akole Tetseo not only brings traditional designs to modern platforms but also keeps alive a vital cultural tradition. Her efforts inspire younger generations to embrace their roots and wear their identity with pride.