Living Heritage & Artistry
A quiet testament to lineage, identity, and the quiet resilience of Kuki craftsmanship.
In Memory of Nina
The brand was founded by Mangtinlen Kilong in profound memory of his cousin, Thangginlun Lupheng (Nina), who was tragically lost during the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Imphal.
NiNa exists to carry forward generational Kuki artistry and roots, ensuring that every handloomed thread is a celebration of identity. Through this brand, we aim to ensure our customers feel deeply connected, proud, bold, and confident in carrying Kuki heritage into the world.
The Loin Loom
Unlike automated power looms, the traditional Kuki backstrap (or loin) loom requires no electricity. The weaver sits on the floor, using her body weight and a leather strap to control the warp tension. Every row is woven line by line from memory.
Silent Craft
Our village cooperative comprises 6 to 15 local women working from their home courtyards in Manipur. Out of respect for their privacy, our weavers prefer not to be photographed. We honor this choice, shifting the lens entirely to the high-end quality of their loom work.
Generational Artistry & Motifs
Our three signature patterns — Saipikhup (elephant footprint), Thangnang (lattice repeat), and Mongvom (layered diamond rows) — represent a visual language spoken in thread. We collaborate directly with master weavers to translate these historic wraps into modern clothing, lightweight scarves, and accessories.
