Tuimei - Nagaland Tribal Gate No.2

These naga doors originally closed the granary of a household, a small wooden structure on stilts usually located outside the house. In the village, granaries played a crucial role in storing food and protecting it from pests, theft, and the elements. The doors, like other naga furniture, were carved directly from the trunks of trees felled on the village territory. The symbols carved on the doors have important cultural and historical value for the naga people. Each motif has a meaning, reflecting the beliefs, traditions, and identity of each tribe. The carvings often depict animals, human figures, and geometric patterns. For example, the mitun, the local semi-wild cow with large horns, is often depicted. This symbol signifies the good health of the livestock. Other symbols can also be found representing various aspects of naga life, including fertility, protection, ancestor worship, and spirituality. Carved doors are considered a valuable asset by the nagas, reflecting the craftsmanship, artistic skills of the naga people, as well as their superstitions. For example, the elders were initially reluctant to renovate the doors using chisels and hammers, for fear of incurring the wrath of their ancestors. With the modernization of living conditions, the traditional use of granaries declined. Metal doors gradually replaced wooden doors. The latter became sought-after cultural and collectible objects, as the younger naga generations were less inclined to continue the craft tradition of wood carving due to the low incomes of the profession.