Shillong: Renowned Meghalaya artist Raphael Warjri is the creative force behind the towering 24-foot statue of Khasi freedom icon U Syiem Tirot Sing Syiem, now standing at Laitarted Nongthliew in West Khasi Hills.
Warjri, with a dedicated team of three sculptors, completed the monumental figure over a period of three months and 18 days.
Sharing an image of the finished cement sculpture on social media, Warjri called the project one of the most demanding artistic undertakings of his career.
Aside from being a sculptor, Warjri is also a writer. His recent publication, MEI: Matrilineal Exogamous Institution, explores the nuances of Khasi matriliny, challenging the oversimplified view of female dominance and examining the cultural, legal, and colonial factors that have shaped the 14-lakh-strong Khasi community.
Speaking to Northeast News, Warjri said, “When I came to know about the 500-year celebration of Hima Nongkhlaw, it perfectly aligned with the time I was set to begin this project. That historical context inspired a design that embodies both the spirit of a warrior and the liveliness of Khasi traditional dance.”
In the final piece, the warrior is depicted mid-motion — his right hand raised in a powerful swing of the sword, feet planted in a stance evocative of ancestral dance rhythms. Traditionally, a whisk would be held in the left hand to flow with the beat, but in this artistic version, Warjri replaced it with a shield, representing defence and courage.
“With this statue, I wanted to capture not just the image of a fighter, but a guardian rooted in his community — someone who dances with his people in celebration of their unity and heritage during this 500th anniversary of Hima Nongkhlaw,” he added.
Warjri expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC). “I’m especially thankful to Roy Kupar Synrem (President), Rhembor G. Saibon (General Secretary), Donboklang Kharlyngdoh (Vice President), Isaac Basaiawmoit (Secretary), and the entire HYC team.”
The idea for the project was first proposed nearly five years ago by Robert June Kharjahrin and Joplang Kharnaior, who initially approached Warjri to take on this significant assignment. The project finally materialised in March 2025, when HYC’s leadership gave Warjri complete artistic autonomy to bring the statue to life.
Despite heavy rains and gusty winds, the work progressed steadily thanks to HYC’s support. The statue’s foundational structure was built by Hep Ialissing Mawrie, Banjop Leo Kharmalki, Ban Mawrie, and a team of experienced masons.
The intricate sculpting was carried out with precision by two young artists, Bamteilang Hynñiewta and Returnwell Sutong.
The team laboured around the clock, beginning groundwork on March 31, 2025, and finishing just in time for the 190th anniversary celebration on July 17, 2025 — marking three months and 18 days of uninterrupted dedication.
The statue was unveiled by Dr. Kestonbel Manik Syiemlieh, Deputy Chief of Hima Nongkhlaw and President of the Federation of Khasi States.
During the event, he also noted that the statue’s inauguration coincides with the 500th anniversary of the former Hima Khatsawphra, today known as Hima Nongkhlaw.
