Nagaland State Museum
Showcase of Naga Heritage: The Nagaland State Museum, established in 1970 and situated on Bayavu Hill, serves as the primary institution for preserving and showcasing the rich cultural, historical, and ethnic diversity of the Naga tribes. The state is home to 16 major tribes, and the museum acts as a comprehensive portal into their distinct traditions, social structures, and artistry. The collection includes various artifacts, from traditional weapons, clan motifs, ceremonial attire, and elaborate jewelry to models of indigenous dwellings and musical instruments. The museum's main goal is to educate visitors about the socio-cultural landscape of Nagaland, providing a deep dive into practices like the bygone tradition of headhunting, the significance of the Morung (bachelors' dormitory), and the unique agricultural and artistic prowess of the Naga people. It is an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the complex tapestry of life in Nagaland before venturing into the remote villages.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Ideal Visit Time: 1.
5 to 2 hours: This allows time for a thorough viewing of all major exhibits, the Morung models, and the art gallery.
Detailed Study: Allow 2. 5 to 3 hours for in-depth reading of all plaques and appreciation of the dioramas.Place Type:
Cultural, History, EthnographyEntry Fees:
Entry Fee for Indians: There is a minimal entry fee, typically around Rs.10 or Rs.20 for Indian nationals.
Entry Fee for Foreigners: The fee for foreign tourists is slightly higher, usually ranging from Rs.50 to Rs.100.
...Entry Fee for Indians: There is a minimal entry fee, typically around Rs.10 or Rs.20 for Indian nationals.
Entry Fee for Foreigners: The fee for foreign tourists is slightly higher, usually ranging from Rs.50 to Rs.100.
Photography/Videography Fee: A separate, small fee (e. g. , Rs.20 to Rs.50) might be charged for still camera use, and a higher fee for video cameras.
Children and Students: Children and students often receive discounted rates or free entry upon presentation of a valid ID.
Purpose of Fees: These fees contribute directly to the maintenance of the museum, the conservation of the artifacts, and the ongoing cultural research conducted by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Nagaland.Timing:
Regular Timings: The museum is open from 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM.
Closing Days: The museum is strictly Closed on Sundays, as well as on all public holidays.
Ideal Visit Time of Day: Mid-mor...Regular Timings: The museum is open from 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM.
Closing Days: The museum is strictly Closed on Sundays, as well as on all public holidays.
Ideal Visit Time of Day: Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) is ideal to ensure you have enough time to browse the entire collection before the early closing time.
Peak Season: During the Hornbill Festival in December, the museum may experience higher visitor traffic, but it remains a quick visit compared to the festival grounds.Special Events:
Tribal Cultural Programs: The museum occasionally hosts special cultural events, workshops, or exhibitions related to a specific tribe or festival, especially coinciding with major state events.
Educational Workshops: Programs are sometimes ...Tribal Cultural Programs: The museum occasionally hosts special cultural events, workshops, or exhibitions related to a specific tribe or festival, especially coinciding with major state events.
Educational Workshops: Programs are sometimes run for local schools and university students focusing on the preservation of Naga languages, crafts, and history.
New Exhibit Inaugurations: Any time a new collection or research-based exhibit is launched, it is considered a significant local event.Best Photo Spots:
Morung Model Close-ups: The detailed scale models of the traditional huts make for excellent close-up, culturally rich photographs.
The Main Entrance Plaque: The sign and entrance area, often featuring unique Naga carvings, is a clear photo ...Morung Model Close-ups: The detailed scale models of the traditional huts make for excellent close-up, culturally rich photographs.
The Main Entrance Plaque: The sign and entrance area, often featuring unique Naga carvings, is a clear photo opportunity for identifying the location.
Intricate Shawl and Jewelry Displays: The glass cases holding the beautifully woven shawls and intricate beaded jewelry are visually stunning and highly representative of Naga art.
Diorama Scenes: The lifelike dioramas are great for capturing the spirit of Naga festivals and daily life in a framed setting.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Explore the Morung Models: Study the models of the traditional Morung to understand the social structure and architecture of the different tribes.
Identify Tribal Affiliations: Use the displays of shawls and jewelry to learn the distinct patterns, colors, and motifs that identify each of the 16 major Naga tribes.
Photography of Dioramas: Capture the intricate dioramas depicting traditional dances and festival scenes, but check for any restrictions.
Visit the Art Gallery: Spend time in the art section to appreciate contemporary and traditional Naga paintings and artistry.
The Weaponry Exhibit: Examine the collection of spears, shields, and headhunting-era artifacts to grasp the martial history of the people.
Read More
Information
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Why Famous:
Comprehensive Naga Identity: It is famous for being the most comprehensive repository of the collective identity and material culture of all 16 major Naga tribes under one roof, providing a vital introduction to the region.
Dioramas and Lifelike...Comprehensive Naga Identity: It is famous for being the most comprehensive repository of the collective identity and material culture of all 16 major Naga tribes under one roof, providing a vital introduction to the region.
Dioramas and Lifelike Displays: The museum's use of detailed dioramas and life-sized models, such as the Morung and festival scenes, brings the vibrant tribal history to life in a way that mere text cannot.
Preservation of Traditional Arts: It is a critical center for preserving endangered artifacts, traditional clothing, and the history of indigenous crafts like weaving, wood carving, and jewelry making, which would otherwise be lost.
Artifacts of a Bygone Era: The exhibits featuring articles related to the headhunting tradition (now defunct) and the unique social systems make it a focal point for anthropological study and curious tourists alike. -
Architecture:
Thematic Exhibits and Cultural Context: The museum is generally laid out in a few distinct thematic sections, though it occupies a modest footprint.
Morung Models: A key architectural section showcases scaled models of the traditional Morung...Thematic Exhibits and Cultural Context: The museum is generally laid out in a few distinct thematic sections, though it occupies a modest footprint.
Morung Models: A key architectural section showcases scaled models of the traditional Morung (bachelors' dormitory) and residential houses of various Naga tribes. These models detail the different roof pitches, structural materials (bamboo, wood), and the use of symbolic carvings that denote the wealth or status of the owner (Dimension: Varied, as they are scaled models).
Artifact Display: Display cases house an impressive collection of traditional apparel, including intricate hand-woven shawls known for their tribal patterns and colors, along with heirloom necklaces and precious stones.
Gallery and Dioramas: One section is dedicated to an art gallery featuring paintings by local artists, while another features lifelike dioramas depicting ceremonial dances (like the Butterfly Dance) and festival scenes (Sekrenyi Festival), placing the artifacts into a living context.
Weaponry and Tools: A display of traditional weaponry, including spears, shields, and muskets, highlights the martial past of the Naga tribes. The entire structure is built to house and protect these priceless artifacts while being accessible and informative. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport (DMU), approximately 74 KMS away. Hire a taxi from Dimapur to Kohima (Bayavu Hill).
By Train: The nearest railhead is Dimapur Railway Station (DMV), approximately 74 KMS away. Take a shared Su... -
Near Tourist Places:
Mary Help of Christians Cathedral (0. 5 KM), Kohima War Cemetery (2. 0 KM), Kohima Botanical Garden (3. 0 KM), Classic Island View Point (3. 5 KM), Razha Point (4. 5 KM), Phizo Memorial Park (4. 5 KM), Kohima Zoo (Mini Zoo) (5. 0 KM), Deputy Commissioner's Bungalow (2. 5 KM), Kisama Heritage Village (11 KM), Japfu Peak trekking base (15 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The museum is easily navigable. Use the provided handrails on the stairs.
Packing: Do not carry large bags, which might need to be checked in at the counter. A notebook for taking notes on the exhibits is useful.
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