War Residues: Repurposed Objects and Memories of a Global War along the Highland Naga-Myanmar Border
PROJECT LEAD
Dr Aditya Kiran Kakati
DURATION
January 2026 – December 2026
PLACE(S)
Naga–Myanmar border
FUNDER
Delta on the Move Foundation Limited, Small grants scheme
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
The Highland Institute
PROJECT STATUS
To be confirmed
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Overview
The project studies how World War II is remembered along the Naga–Myanmar border through objects and oral histories. Wartime materials such as plane parts and weapons were often repurposed into everyday items, preserving local memories of the war. The project highlights how Naga communities’ stories challenge dominant Western narratives by showing their agency, resourcefulness, and role during the war. As witnesses disappear, the project aims to document these memories through fieldwork in remote areas.
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Objectives
To preserve local histories and present a more inclusive, ground-level understanding of World War II.
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Research Themes
To be confirmed.
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Methodology / Research Approach
The project documents oral histories and wartime objects through fieldwork in remote areas along the Naga–Myanmar border.
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Fieldwork Photos / Media
Use only where relevance, consent and rights are clear.
Caption to be added
Photo credit / date
Caption to be added
Photo credit / date
Caption to be added
Photo credit / date
Additional photographs, audio, video, maps or documentation may be linked here.
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Activities
- Fieldwork in remote areas along the Naga–Myanmar border.
- Documentation and preservation of oral histories and wartime objects.
- Preparation of an illustrated booklet.
- Organisation of a workshop and book launch.
- Preparation of published articles contributing to academic research.
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Expected Outcomes
The project will document and preserve oral histories and wartime objects from the Naga–Myanmar border before they are lost. It will produce an illustrated booklet, organise a workshop and book launch, and contribute to academic research through published articles. Overall, it aims to present a more inclusive and locally grounded understanding of World War II.
Research Team
Kevide Lcho — Research Assistant
Saktum Wonti — Research Assistant
Abigail Thurr — Research Assistant
Partner Institutions
The Highland Institute.
Participants / Communities
Naga communities along the Naga–Myanmar border.
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Knowledge Records from this Project
To be confirmed.
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Publications
- Illustrated booklet — planned.
- Published articles — planned.
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Films & Media
To be confirmed.
Related Places
To be confirmed.
Related Wiki Records
To be confirmed.
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Sources and References
- The Highland Institute, THI Project List: War Residues: Repurposed Objects and Memories of a Global War along the Highland Naga-Myanmar Border.
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IMAGE RIGHTS / MEDIA CREDITS
To be confirmed.
