War Residues: Repurposed Objects and Memories of a Global War along the Highland Naga-Myanmar Border

KNOWLEDGE RECORD

War Residues

Repurposed Objects and Memories of a Global War along the Highland Naga–Myanmar Border

Material culture, oral histories, and community memories of World War II in the Naga borderlands.

RECORD TYPE

Material culture and oral history

PLACE

Naga Hills and communities along the Naga–Myanmar border

DATE OR PERIOD

January 2026 – December 2026

EDITORIAL STATUS

To be added

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Summary

This knowledge record documents how World War II is remembered through material objects, oral histories, family histories, and community memories in Naga communities along the Naga–Myanmar border. Wartime remnants such as aircraft parts, military equipment, ammunition, and other artefacts were repurposed for everyday use, creating enduring connections between global conflict and local memory. The record foregrounds community experiences and perspectives on the war.

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Community / Cultural Context

The record concerns Naga communities in the borderlands between India and Myanmar. It focuses on community memories of World War II, family histories, lived experiences, survival strategies, and the ways wartime materials became part of domestic, agricultural, and community life. These objects are approached not only as remnants of war but also as carriers of memory, identity, and historical knowledge.

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Themes

Memory Studies Material Culture Oral History Borderland Studies World War II Heritage and Archives Indigenous Histories Environmental Humanities

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Contributors / Authors

Dr Aditya Kiran Kakati
Project Lead

Kevide Lcho
Research Assistant

Saktum Wonti
Research Assistant

Abigail Thurr
Research Assistant

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How the Knowledge Was Produced

The knowledge is being produced through ethnographic fieldwork in communities along the Naga–Myanmar border, collection of oral histories and life narratives, documentation and photography of wartime artefacts, archival and historical research, community consultations, and knowledge-sharing activities.

The research brings together material objects and community narratives to examine how wartime experiences continue to be remembered and interpreted.

ASSOCIATED PROJECT / ACTIVITY

War Residues: Repurposed Objects and Memories of a Global War along the Highland Naga–Myanmar Border

PROJECT LEAD

Dr Aditya Kiran Kakati

LEAD INSTITUTION

The Highland Institute

FUNDER

Delta on the Move Foundation Limited — Small Grants Scheme

PROJECT STATUS

Ongoing

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Main Account

During and after World War II, communities across the Naga Hills and the Naga–Myanmar border encountered significant quantities of military material left behind by Allied and Japanese forces. Many of these objects were repurposed for domestic, agricultural, and community use, becoming embedded within everyday life and local memory.

The record examines these objects not only as material remnants of war but also as carriers of memory, identity, and historical knowledge. Their continued presence in communities creates connections between a global conflict and local histories and lived experiences.

Community memories are also preserved through oral histories, family narratives, and accounts of wartime experiences and survival. Through ethnographic fieldwork and oral history research, the study documents community narratives surrounding wartime experiences, survival strategies, and the continuing significance of war-related objects.

The research seeks to document these memories before they disappear and contributes to a more community-centred understanding of World War II in the Naga borderlands.

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Media

Images and captions can be added here when suitable media and rights information are available.

Media to be added

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Sources and References

To be added

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Related Wiki Records

To be added

RIGHTS / CULTURAL PROTOCOLS

To be added when permissions, image rights, and any relevant cultural protocols have been confirmed.