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Weaves
Weaves of Northeast India: Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Seven Sisters
Hey there! Did you know that India is a country with many distinct cultures that coexist peacefully? Each community’s culture reflects traditions and legacy passed down from generation to generation. One of the cultural assets that have been used in our civilization for centuries is handloom.
Indian handloom goods are known across the world for their eye-catching designs and exquisite craftsmanship. And the northeastern area of India is a compelling cultural patchwork rich in tradition and wildlife. This region is made up of seven states – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, which are together known as the “seven sisters.”
Each state has a centuries-old handloom heritage that teaches how to weave colorful, beautiful, and intricate handloom patterns. Northeast goods have magnificent designs and patterns that symbolize each state’s cultural identity.
While Northeast Handloom textiles are an important cultural treasure, they also play an important role in economic growth. The handloom sector is proud to be the country’s second-largest employment source after agriculture.
Every region has its unique distinct weaving technique, and traditional weaving techniques are used across the Northeast. Weaving is the only monopoly of the womenfolk among all tribes in the region. Tribal weavers create a wide range of fabrics, including loincloths, shawls, skirts, sashes, jackets, bags, and rugs. Each tribe excels at weaving, and every region has its unique weaving technique.
We present you the unique narrative of Northeast goods to commemorate the tradition that recounts the stories of age-old craft. So, why not explore the beauty of Northeast India through our handpicked collection of weaves? Come and discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Northeast Indian weaves today!
Arunachal Pradesh:
The name Arunachal Pradesh translates to “land of dawn-lit mountains,” and it’s bordered by Assam and Nagaland to the south. The state is a melting pot of culture, with 26 major tribes and sub-tribes, each with its own unique customs and traditions.
The people of Arunachal Pradesh are deeply connected to the land and agriculture, and festivals play an important role in their cultural lifestyle. During these celebrations, they thank the Almighty for the bountiful crop and showcase their creative abilities.
The state’s exceptional artistry is reflected in its handloom goods, which are known worldwide for their unique patterns and organic materials. The use of colors and patterns holds deep significance for the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The state’s diverse crafts heritage includes carpet making, masks, painted wood containers, bamboo and cane crafts, woodcarvings, and jewelry crafts. They can make beautiful items using goat hair, ivory, and boar’s tufa.
When it comes to textile designs, you’ll see that the Adi, Mishmi, and Apatani tribes always incorporate geometric shapes. Zig-zag lines and geometric patterns are the most common motifs. Floral and Zemorphic motifs are also quite popular, and the basic straight lines, stripes, and similar designs are celebrated with different color combinations.
The Adi and Apatani focus on basic straight lines, while the Mishmis celebrate pattern and individuality. So, if you’re ever in Arunachal Pradesh, be sure to check out their beautiful crafts and textiles!
Assam:
When it comes to traditional textile designs, Assam has a rich heritage inspired by epics and Mother Nature. Geometrical and floral motifs are often incorporated into ethnic clothing, with vivid hues being the norm. One of the most well-known fabrics is the Brindavani textile, featuring patterns of various avatars of the Hindu god, Vishnu. However, there are several other traditional patterns in use today, including the Kimkhwab, Boro diamond, Ohol jonberi, Cosa sazia, Miri, and Hatipati.
In the last few decades, traditional textile design has evolved with the application of jacquard fitted looms, revolutionizing the handloom industry in Assam. The state’s traditional clothing includes Mekhla-Chadar, dhoti-kurta, dokhna, sarees, riha, and japi, all of which incorporate indigenous Assamese patterns.
Assam is also known for its wide range of arts and crafts, including cane and bamboo works, sitalpith, brass and bell metal works, ivory, woodwork, shola pith, pottery, and fibre craft. The state’s unique silks, such as Muga, Pat, and Eri/Endi, are renowned across the globe and represent Assam’s tribal traditions and uniqueness.
Manipur:
Northeast Handloom products are renowned for their unique features, representing the distinct personalities of each of the Northeastern states. Manipur, in particular, plays a significant role in commerce and cottage industries, providing vital employment opportunities for the state.
One of Manipur’s specialties is its exceptional textiles, including moiraingphee, leirum, lasingphee, and phanek. Tribal textiles are created on a back-strap loom, known as a loin-loom, primarily used among hill people. The weaver secures a reasonable length and width of the warp at one end to a house wall or two permanent poles, while the other is connected to a cotton or leather belt around the weaver’s waist. Weaving is a traditional skill, passed down through generations, and every female knows how to do it. In fact, a weaver’s dowry includes the loom. Women mostly weave for personal use, while men engage in highly organized commercial weaving.
Manipur’s craftsmen are highly skilled in creating beautiful cloth embroidery influenced by Indian heritage and Vaishnavism. Manipur handicrafts include a wide range of Kouna items, lovely weaving and wood carving, durable bell metal bowls, cane and bamboo crafts, mats made of spongy reeds, and Longpi ceramics. These handicrafts are highly sought-after and have gained a reputation worldwide.
Meghalaya:
Did you know that Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India, is home to three historic hill communities – the Khasi, Jaintias, and Garos. This state is famous for its stunning natural beauty, and its unique crafts such as cane and bamboo work, creative weaving, and woodcarving. Weaving is a traditional activity for Garo women, and almost every household practices it. The Garos weave cotton textiles such as dakmanda, shirting, bedcovers, bed sheets, and tablecloths. However, what sets Meghalaya apart is its legendary endi silk, which is known for its texture and durability.
Meghalaya’s craftsmanship represents pure culture and is highly valued in Northeast items. Traditional weaving is preferred over machine-made clothes because of the intricate workmanship and commitment involved. Sericulture and weaving go hand in hand in Meghalaya, and these goods are made in harmony with nature.
Woodcarving is a prevalent activity in the Garo hills and is the most crucial element of Meghalaya‘s cottage economy. The state also specializes in carpet weaving, decorations, and musical instruments.
Weaving in Meghalaya is fascinating to watch. The loom used here is a simple back strap one with a continuous horizontal warp made up of six sticks serving as warp beams, lease rods, healing sticks, beating swords, and additional warp beams. The weaving belt is connected to the bottom bar or cloth beam that has notches on both ends. The operator wears this belt at the small of her back to maintain the appropriate tension on the warp. The shuttle is fired through by hand, and the weft is pounded up with wax or a fine white powder obtained from the bottom of wild plantation leaves. The patterns in the fabric are created by combining different colored threads in the warp and weft.
Meghalaya‘s weaving specimens provide a diverse variety and quantity of objects, each with its own fashion and style. From wrappers and shawls to waist cloths and bodices, girdles, scarfs, skirts, aprons, and lungis, the state offers various costumes and apparels, all with distinct designs and processing. An expert weaver needs approximately ten hours to complete a simple strip or 30 hours to weave an entire fabric.
Mizoram:
Mizoram is a beautiful state famous for its stunning highlands and dense bamboo forests. The locals take great pride in their rich customs and traditions, which are evident in the state’s exquisite craftsmanship. The most significant crafts of Mizoram are bamboo and cane craft, pipes, jewellery, and musical instruments. However, weaving also holds a special place in Mizo culture.
Weaving is mostly done by women, who create beautiful “Puan” patterns that are adorned with intricate needlework in the form of stripes or arrows. These patterns are a representation of the state’s rich cultural heritage. Puan is a popular cloth worn by both men and women, and it adds a vibrant touch to their attire.
Aside from weaving, bamboo and cane handicrafts, woodwork, and metal kitchenware are also essential components of Mizoram’s cottage industry. The locals have mastered the art of working with bamboo and cane, producing an array of functional and artistic objects such as baskets, mats, and even furniture.
If you ever visit Mizoram, don’t forget to check out their traditional pipes, jewelry, and musical instruments, which are unique and have a distinct Mizo style. The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail in each piece is awe-inspiring, a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans.
Nagaland:
When it comes to arts and crafts, Nagaland is definitely a place to visit. The state boasts a rich culture that is reflected in its traditional looms and handcrafted items. Nagaland is home to several arts and crafts, including basketry, weaving, woodwork, and jewellery making.
The Naga people have a unique style of creating things out of shells and pearls, bird’s wings, and flowers. They are known for their intricate wood carvings that are often associated with religious beliefs and rituals. The colors and patterns used in these carvings reflect the deep-rooted culture of Nagaland.
In addition to creating objects for everyday use, Nagaland’s Northeast Handloom products have become famous for their simple yet stylish design. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or simply want to experience the local culture, Nagaland has something to offer.
Tripura:
When it comes to the Northeast Handloom industry, Tripura is a name that cannot be missed. The state is famous for its traditional handloom products that showcase a blend of simplicity and elegance. The weaves in Tripura are mostly vertical and horizontal stripes with embroidery in various colors, giving them a unique touch.
Bamboo screens, lamp stands, table mats, wood carvings, silver decorations, brass and bell metal products are some of the popular handcrafted items in Tripura. Shital Pati, a type of mat made of weaved cane or bamboo, is another famous product. The craftsmanship is meticulous and dedicated, which is why they have gained global recognition.
One of the most popular Tripura products on the international market is Risa, a traditional apparel item. The simplicity of Tripura’s weaves and products is the key to their popularity. The dedication and commitment of the indigenous tribes who create them make each piece unique and special.
Conclusion:
Northeast India is a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage, and the handloom industry is a significant contributor to the region’s economy. The intricate and vibrant designs of handloom textiles from the seven sister states are a reflection of the deep-rooted traditions and legacy passed down through generations. The women of the tribes dominate the weaving industry, creating a wide range of fabrics, including loincloths, shawls, skirts, sashes, jackets, bags, and rugs. Each tribe has its unique weaving technique, and every region has its distinctive patterns that symbolize the cultural identity of the state. The handloom industry is a source of pride for the region and plays an essential role in sustaining the livelihood of the people.
