Photo Courtesy: morungexpress
Kohima: The Naga Photo Archive launched its latest exhibition, Of Another Time: Naga Family Photos 1950s-1990s, at the North East Zone Cultural Centre in Chumoukedima on Friday. The event features a collection of personal photographs that serve as a historical record of Naga life across four decades. Dr. Meripeni Ngully from Dimapur Government College opened the showcase, which is supported by the India Foundation for the Arts and Tata Trusts.
Co-founder and photographer Zubeni Lotha explained that the project seeks to move beyond traditional history books by focusing on the intimate details of daily life. The archive has collected more than 500 images so far, relying on the cooperation of local families who provide their personal collections. Lotha emphasized that the organization prioritizes consent and collaboration with every contributor to ensure their stories are shared responsibly.
During a panel discussion, experts explored the cultural significance of these visual artifacts. Amit Mahanti, a documentary filmmaker and co-founder of the archive, noted the capacity for these pictures to bridge the gap between generations. He stated, "One of the most compelling aspects of the archive was its ability to unlock memories and reconnect people with their past."
Other participants, including Menaka Rodriguez of the India Foundation for the Arts and artist Throngkiuba Yimchungru, noted that photographs gain deeper meaning as time passes. Lanu, Principal of the Wandering Minds College of Fine Arts, added that environmental details in the backgrounds of these photos offer vital context about Naga society. The event served as a platform to discuss the importance of documenting history from a local perspective to ensure these cultural narratives remain intact for the future.
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