You still don't know such beautiful products exist? Let me show you.
Looking for aesthetic and meaningful products? Discover Chizami Weaves from Nagaland. Tucked away in the verdant hills of Phek district, this women-led social enterprise is silently transforming lives by empowering hundreds of rural women to create traditional Naga handloom crafts.
A Quiet Revolution
What began in 2008 with just seven women weavers has blossomed into a powerful network of over 600 women across Phek and Kohima districts. Chizami Weaves, an initiative of North East Network (NEN), recognized that sustainable livelihoods could go hand-in-hand with cultural preservation and women's empowerment.
The weavers, mostly Chakhesang Naga women, use the traditional loin loom which is a portable weaving device passed down through generations. In Naga culture, girls once had to master weaving before marriage. Today, Chizami Weaves keeps these traditional skills alive while adapting them for contemporary markets.
Products That Fit Your Life
From handwoven bags to home décor and shawls, every piece fits beautifully into your everyday life. The collection includes cushion covers with traditional motifs, table runners, contemporary stoles, handwoven bags, and traditional mekhelas. Each design incorporates patterns drawn from nature like geometric shapes in the traditional Naga palette of red, black, and white, now expanded with modern colors.
Production is truly artisanal: a cushion cover takes three days, while a mekhela requires up to 15 days of careful handwork. This isn't mass production, it's craftsmanship at its finest.
More Than Income
For many women in rural Nagaland, where employment opportunities outside farming are scarce, Chizami Weaves provides financial independence, dignity, and community. Women work from their homes, bringing finished products to the Chizami Weaving Unit twice a week. This flexible arrangement allows them to balance weaving with farming and family responsibilities.
Beyond economics, the initiative offers training, skill development, and a supportive community where women can share challenges, learn about their rights, and build confidence.
Where to Shop
I know our friends at Zepto, Blinkit, Flipkart, and Amazon would support such local businesses. While not yet on mainstream platforms, you can find Chizami Weaves products through:
Shipping Across India:
- iTokri.com - Ships pan-India from Gwalior
- Darjeeling Connection - Free shipping on orders above ₹1,500
- Gaatha - Typical dispatch in 2-3 days
- Chizamiweaves.com - Official website
- Physical stores - NEN outlets in Chizami, Kohima, and Guwahati
All online partners offer nationwide delivery, so you can check if these products reach your pincode.
Shop Local, Celebrate Culture
When you purchase from Chizami Weaves, you're supporting rural women's livelihoods, preserving centuries-old traditions, and choosing sustainable artisanal products over mass-produced items. Every cushion cover, shawl, and bag carries the story of women rewriting their futures while honoring their past.
Let's shop local, celebrate culture, and click the link to discover if these beautiful handcrafted pieces can reach your home.
Chizami Weaves: Where every thread tells a story of empowerment.
