The vibrant Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is currently hosting a remarkable piece of international public art, creating a unique bridge between Irish mythology and Naga cultural celebration. An arresting installation titled ‘Danu’ is now on display at the Naga heritage village in Kisama, offering festival-goers a profound narrative of motherhood, resilience, and shared symbolism.
A Fusion of Celtic Mythology and Skilled Craftsmanship
This distinctive artwork is the brainchild of a collaborative team featuring Irish artists Lisa Sweeney, Richard Babington, and Johnny O’Reilly, alongside Indian artist Sanjib Saha. The piece draws its core inspiration from Danu, a central Celtic figure often revered as a mother goddess, embodying themes of strength and nurturing power. The design intricately weaves in motifs connected to Ireland's ancient seasonal festivals and traditions linked to Saint Brigid, one of the country's female patron saints.
Constructed from materials like iron, wood, bamboo, and fabric, the installation includes a small pool of water at its base. This element is intentional, evoking Danu's deep association with rivers and the life-sustaining essence of water. A prominent feature is the inclusion of St Brigid’s Cross, a traditional symbol representing protection and blessings.
A Notable Cultural Partnership
The presence of ‘Danu’ at Asia's largest indigenous festival marks a significant cultural exchange. The project is supported by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi and is being showcased in partnership with the Nagaland government and the state's Task Force for Music & Arts. This initiative follows the artwork's first exhibition in Kolkata, highlighting its journey as an artifact of Indo-Irish artistic dialogue.
Vibrant Third Day of Festival Celebrations
Meanwhile, the festival's third day on Wednesday, part of its 25th edition, was a spectacle of color and tradition. The cultural show, hosted by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, attracted a host of dignitaries. Attendees included Ambassador of Bhutan Jigme Thinlye Namgyal, Air Marshal Surat Singh, Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa (GOC, 101 Area), and Simon Lee Broughton, founding editor of Songlines magazine.
The day was packed with a rich presentation of Naga cultural dances and folk traditions from various tribes. Each performance served as a vibrant reflection of the unique identity and heritage of Naga communities, continuing the festival's core mission of preserving and promoting indigenous culture.
