Artisans in Nagaland gain employment through wood, bamboo work

Vikhozo Lohe is one among the many creative artisans from Nagaland who make a living by making bamboo and wood products.

Without any formal training, he took up this work more than 10 years ago and now runs V K Lohe and sons Wood and bamboo craft unit at Toulazouma village where he also provides training to a number of people.

They make a variety of cups, wooden plates, other kitchen wares and beautiful decorative pieces out of wood and bamboo remains and manage to earn a decent income through the business.

"Currently, I have 10 people working with me including helpers and crafts persons. In a month we manage to earn around Rs.50-60 thousand," said Lohe.

"I have been working here for about a year or so. During this period I have learnt a lot and therefore, I am thinking of going back to my village in Phek district and start a mini workshop like this. It will be more profitable because I will not be buying the raw materials there," said Vikhole, a trainee.

A number of people in the Northeast region are taking up crafts work by utilizing the locally available natural resources.

There is a talented pool of artisans in the region and intricately designed wood and bamboo products of different Northeastern states are extremely popular.