Lithic Worlds
Lithic Worlds is a research initiative created by Naga anthropologist Dolly Kikon and geologist Neivikhotso Chaya. It reflects and engages with Indigenous epistemologies and philosophies of connections to land. It combines ethnography, oral traditions, and geological knowledge of the Naga ancestral homeland in the Eastern Himalayan region. Lithic Worlds is designed to center Indigenous Pedagogy, collaboration with teachers, and creative education to advance a layered understanding of the Naga world.
With stories of rocks, soil, plants, spirits, animals, and humans, Lithic Worlds has been actively engaging with the community, starting from Makhel Village, where Nagas are believed to have originated.
Meet the Team
Professor
Dolly Kikon
Dolly Kikon is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Cruz.
Her research focuses on resource extraction, militarisation, development, human rights, migration, gender, and political economy.
Professor
Sarat Phukan
Sarat Phukan is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences, Gauhati University, Guwahati, India.
His research focuses on organic geochemistry and petrology, along with sedimentology and geoinformatics. He further places emphasis on various environmental issues.
Research Scholar
Neivikhotso Chaya
Neivikhotso Chaya is a research scholar at Gauhati University, Guwahati, India.
His research focuses on the hydrogen energy generation potential of serpentinites.