MUSEUMS

Nagaland's rich cultural heritage is preserved in a diverse collection of artifacts, including traditional attire, jewelry, weaponry, handicrafts, and architectural models, showcased in various museums. The Nagaland State Museum in Kohima is a prominent institution that displays not only cultural objects but also captivating photographs and dioramas depicting Naga life, customs, and festivals.

Beyond the state museum, a number of community museums, led by resident leaders, play a vital role in preserving local history and culture. Unlike larger museums, these institutions delve into the unique stories and experiences of specific communities, showcasing their distinct traditions and identities. Examples include the Mopungchuket village museum, the Zapami village museum, and the Phek museum.

Mopungchuket is a quaint village in Mokokchung district inhabited by the Ao Nagas. This village is known for its folklores and cultural traditions and is being promoted as a tourist destination. It has a small community-managed museum. The villagers take pride in the museum display, especially the remnants of Ahom army swords left behind by fleeing Ahom soldiers after their failed attempt to conquer Mopungchuket in 1832 AD.

The Zapami village of the Chakhesangs is a heritage village situated in Phek district. The Village Council established a beautiful village museum in 2016-17 housing antiques, including traditional farm and cotton processing tools, textiles, daily utilities, and weights and measures, collected from the villagers with the idea of preserving their traditions.

The Chakhesang Women Welfare Society, which works towards the betterment of Chakhesang women, has also curated a museum in their premises in Pfutsero to preserve their traditional textiles.

Chumpo Museum in Dimapur is a small private museum showcasing a collection of artifacts from different communities. These museums demonstrate the pride the local communities have in their own culture and serve as valuable educational resources for both locals and tourists.