Imchatsung Imchen

As a child, I was shy, sensitive, had a small voice and was the bullied who hated school. Sometimes I even hated being home so I’d pretend I was running away. I was the skinny one with an eating disorder, the son whose father wanted him to attend military school. Looking at this image I photographed during lockdown at home, I embrace that body & that person’s progress & everyone who helps & inspires him. My body is like the mountains in my village, my blood flowing like the rivers. It has never been mine and never will be. Most of all, I am in awe of how my ancestors designed our meaningful traditional attires and the craftspeople who take this story forward. I am wearing the Warrior’s Traditional Attire of the Ao tribe of Nagaland, India.  Shot on Self Timer, November 25, 2020. 

Submitted by @imchaimchen:

Moatsü Festival is the Spring Festival of the Ao Tribe of Nagaland, India. This year, as we celebrate from our homes, I photographed myself in a blue cotton loincloth that I hand-stitched with textile handwoven by my paternal aunt on the backstrap loom. This look is a non-ceremonial common man’s indigenous clothing of the Ao people. We give respect to our elders- the past and present, the artisans, the community and the people who take our meaningful stories forward. 

Accessorized with Bougainvillea Flowers in the ears. Wild Boar’s tusk necklace & wooden armlet.

Submitted by @imchaimchen:

Submitted by @imchaimchen: