In the colorful world of Instagram, where fashion influencers frequently rule, there's a distinctive account that's very rich in culture. "Mekhala Mama," owned and operated by poet, writer, and teacher Theyie Keditsu of Kohima, has become well-known for its creative and contemporary interpretation of the traditional Naga Mekhala. Keditsu has a growing 30k followers on social media. Her efforts are not just about fashion, but about reviving interest in indigenous textiles and supporting small labels and artisans.
At first glance, the vibrant feed might appear to be just another fashion account, but a closer inspection reveals a distinct theme: the vivid Naga mekhala, a traditional woven cloth, expertly combined with elements of modern fashion. At forty-two, Keditsu uses her platform to promote the revival of indigenous textiles, particularly the mekhala, in addition to showcasing her colorful and lively sense of style.
In Naga tradition, family women would traditionally weave mekhalas by hand. Nevertheless, due to the influence of international fashion, mekhalas were only worn on special occasions, at church, or by older women. Keditsu set out on a mission to encourage women to view mekhalas as valuable pieces in their wardrobes, rather than just items reserved for cultural events, after noticing a decline in the everyday use of these textiles.
In 2017, Keditsu took her campaign to Instagram, where she uses the account @MekhalaMama to highlight the usefulness and worth of the mekhala. Her posts demonstrate how the traditional item can work well with contemporary clothing, showing off Mekhala's ability to mix and match with accessories like corsets, leather jackets, floral blouses, tights, and more.
With Beyond aesthetic appeal, Keditsu hopes to communicate a message with her well chosen photographs. She passionately promotes the sustainability of indigenous textiles, highlighting their cultural and sentimental value, in the thorough captions that accompany each post. Since these textiles are timeless and stylish and last longer than fast fashion, Keditsu sees wearing them as an example of sustainable fashion.
Keditsu works hard to support local designers, artists, and textile companies on Instagram in addition to her own clothing line. Through her connections with these creators, she not only helps to promote mekhala sales but also teaches the next generation about the importance of this traditional clothing. Initiatives like "Mekhala Wednesdays," which encourage women to wear mekhalas to work, have even been inspired by her influence.
Keditsu's representation is vital to the economic well-being of women weavers in an area where weaving has historically been the sole responsibility of women. For these artisans, the sale of a single shawl or mekhala can have a profound impact on their lives, frequently influencing decisions about children to send to school or whether they can afford the tuition.
Mekhala Mama has grown from a fashion account to a representation of the determination, self-assurance, and power of women in Naga society. Keditsu's impact extends well beyond the internet, as evidenced by the "mekhala movement" she started, which honors cultural heritage, keeps local economies afloat, and instills pride in traditional fabrics.