Popularly known for their expertise in the smithing profession, Khamching Konyak (53) and his cousin and professional partner Wangwai (56), from Longwa village have captured the attention of many tourists and local visitors at the Hornbill festival. They specialize in making muzzle loading guns and their craft is on display at the on-going Hornbill festival.
Interacting with Nagaland Post, Khamching said it was from his parents that he inherited the gun-making skill from. He said that he was usually, completely occupied with making guns within the confines of his village. He said it takes almost a month to complete one gun and that he makes about Rs. 70,000 a year with his skill adding that the guns he makes are mostly made on order. The gunsmith expressed joy that he could exhibit his talent to the many visitors at the festival. However, Khamching regretted that he could not take orders placed by the visitors and said he was working on a gun at the moment, for which he had already been partially paid.
His cousin, Wangwai, is into making model heads, with great attention to detail, in metal, using the wax process techniques. He also makes daos (local machetes), axes, hoes, scrappers, sickles and small weapons like spear-heads and he also makes muskets. The duo’s efforts of travelling from interior Nagaland to participate in the Hornbill festival, paid off well with both of them doing brisk business these past three days. (Source:Nagaland Post)