Architecture & Design

With Tribolt, their Naga furniture brand, Ajung Yaden and Atem Longkumer find their calling to reconnect with their heritage. In Nagaland’s Dimapur, a soft golden light illuminates unvarnished, raw designs in a minimalist studio. The wood-on-wood look and white walls invite the visitor to take in the details, minor and bold—from the textured top of tables to earthy vases. Here, Ajung Yaden and Atem Longkumer are busy at work marrying tradition and modernity through Tribolt, their young furniture and interiors venture. The brand’s rootedness in the Naga identity and culture is far from being mere lip service; it is defined by vital decisions such as using traditional carving techniques, employing local tools like daos (long blades), and working with Naga youth and artisans to create opportunities. “We actively strive to support the preservation of tribal art traditions. To us, our designs and practice are tools for the promotion of intercultural dialogue and understanding—a way to foster empathy and respect among diverse communities,” says Longkumer. Their perseverance has been rewarded with appreciation by locals, who comprise a significant part of their clientele, alongside a growing number of patrons outside the state. Shot by : Vilo Chophy Edited by : Satvik Bhatt Visuals Editor : Harshita Nayyar