Sualkuchi Silks

Sualkuchi is almost an hour long journey from Guwahati, the capital of Assam. This place is known for handloom weaving cluster where weavers are engaged in traditional method of silk weaving. After a scenic journey over the mighty river of Brahmaputra, Sualkuchi cluster welcomes you with open arms with varied offerings. Perhaps the ser-iculture of Assam has gradually evolved this place as silk weaving cluster. Muga weaving was primarily focused but due to scarcity of Muga yarns the exercise has dwindled. Muga fabrics is called golden fabric for their golden glow.

The typical silk weaving of this place is mainly associated with the Assamese traditional attire like Mekhla Chadar and Sarees. Though being a silk weaving cluster, Sualkuchi has become very commercialized with hybrid multibrand stores popping up at Sualkuchi and polluting the essence of hand loom cluster.

Still Sualkuchi has few weavers who offer wonders in silk weaving. The motifs used in mekhla chadar and saree are mainly inspired from Assamese traditional, folk and tribal motifs. One can see Jaapi (tribal Assamese hat), Rhinos, Peacock, Half Moon etc. The transcendent art of silk weaving in Sualkuchi region was primarily in Jaala technique which involved multiple pedals and weft weaving on the loom. But today it has got replaced by jacquard which is much more faster and cost effective which has somehow made the motifs much uniform and flat in nature giving a very run of the mill feel. The weavers of Sualkuchi mainly focus on few colors only comprising of beige or muga color, maroon, steel grey, black, yellow, royal blue and green.

What is unique about Sualkuchi Silk Weaving is that the borders are separately woven and then stitched to the main base of the fabric of Mekhla or Saree. Even the pallu edge of a Saree or Chadar is finely hand crafted with yarn pompoms.

So one can stop by at Sualkuchi to buy handful of these silk crafts for any day trip from Guawahati.
#fondhand

A Day in Imphal

A Day in Imphal, Manipur

I still remember a whirlwind day in Imphal, Manipur. A not so cold October morning in 2012. folding out many layers of my rebellious thoughts.

Manipur is a land of warriors, vaishnabs, Maiteis, Netaji, women power, and jaw dropping textiles. I happened to be in Imphal for a couple of days for some other work. But visited Ima Market in the heart of the city. The city wakes up quite early and with the break of the dawn you will see young people jogging in and around Kangla Fort with bleak tension of AFSPA patrol.

During the day my visit to Ima Market was like visiting Disney Land. So many things to see, to buy, to taste with little money in my pocket. Most surprising was that all the sellers of Ima Market were Manipuri women. Stacks and stacks of fabric yards are kept to lure the customers. The traditional attire of any Manipuri female is a Sarong with blouse paired with a stole or scarf. These sarongs have vibrant colors with contrast color extra weft work. Also one can see beautiful, intricate and mainly ornated with floral motif Jamdani work in sarongs and stoles. all these textiles are handwoven by women weavers of Manipur. There are many traditional Manipuri motifs are used on these textiles, like Moirangphi: which is temple motif, Poloifiban, Sasabanasaba etc.

In Ima Market one can see Manipuri dance costume available for sell, various puja equipments, elaborate home decor products.

Manipuri people have a fine taste for bed room accessories for instance the mosquito nets they use are finely decorated with embroidery and lace work. Cushions, pillows also bear all intricate work with sequins, lace, etc.

Above you can see an image of colorful Ima market of Imphal where one can buy best of the textiles in great deal.

There are many tribes in Manipur, and each of these tribe have different pattern of beaded jewelry. each strands of beads mark an achievement for their tribesmen.

Will again come back with details of Manipuri Textiles, Motifs, Cuisines and Tribes. #fondhand