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2024.02.05 Eri Sikl Shawl

Meghalaya is known for its unique hand-woven textiles, particularly Eri silk, which is produced without harming the silkworms and is often referred to as 'peace silk' or 'poor man's silk'. The weaving process is primarily carried out by women using traditional looms, and the craft is an integral part of the state's culture and heritage. Muezart, a company based in Shillong, collaborates with local artisans to produce natural Eri silk products, aiming to support and uplift the community while preserving traditional techniques.

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27 views8 pages

2024.02.05 Eri Sikl Shawl

Meghalaya is known for its unique hand-woven textiles, particularly Eri silk, which is produced without harming the silkworms and is often referred to as 'peace silk' or 'poor man's silk'. The weaving process is primarily carried out by women using traditional looms, and the craft is an integral part of the state's culture and heritage. Muezart, a company based in Shillong, collaborates with local artisans to produce natural Eri silk products, aiming to support and uplift the community while preserving traditional techniques.

Uploaded by

aryamrdhuran2006
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Eri weaving in Meghalaya

B Y T.L. Arya Mrdhuran


About
Meghalaya has a rich variety of
hand-woven textiles, with
unique characteristics that
reflect the state and its skilled
artisans. The state produces
three varieties of silk – Eri
(locally known as ryndia from
the castor plants the silkworms
feed on), Muga and Mulberry.
The Ri-Bhoi District is one of
the main regions of Meghalaya
where eri-culture and handloom
weaving is still practiced. All the
materials involved in the
process are sourced from the
district itself.
Technique
Eri silk is spun from open-ended cocoons. It is often termed “peace silk” as it is
processed without killing the pupae inside. It is also

Eri silk is spun from open-ended cocoons. It is often termed “peace silk” as it is
processed without killing the pupae inside. It is also

known as “poor man’s silk” as it is not so exorbitantly priced as other types of


silk.

Since eri silk has an open- ended cocoon, it leads to a non continuous thread.

It is traditionally hand spun directly from the cocoon using the conventional
spinning device “takli” – a ‘Drop Spindle’. as “poor man’s silk” as it is not so
exorbitantly priced as other types of silk.

Since eri silk has an open- ended cocoon, it leads to a non continuous thread.

It is traditionally hand spun directly from the cocoon using the conventional
spinning device “takli” – a ‘Drop Spindle’.
Women and weaving
• Spinning and weaving in Meghalaya is
done by women.

• Weaving is a subsidiary activity to


farming, done by women during their
spare time – approximately three hours a
day.

• The traditional loom known as “floor


loom” is basic but easy to use for women
in their small living space. It is made of a
bamboo reed with wooden sticks to
maintain the warp. It only allows the
production of one to three silk scarves,
depending on the length of the weaving
place.

• Weavers use these traditional looms to


weave their hand spun yarn.
Motive
Eri silk shawls are an essential
part of the culture and tradition
in Meghalaya, a state in North
East India. These shawls are
hand-woven by women, and the
process is passed down through
generations. Eri silk is also
known as 'peace silk' because
the moths that generate the silk
are not killed before the silk is
spun.
Process textile-
Muezart company
• Based in Shillong, Meghalaya,
India
• Manufactures and wholesales
natural Eri Silk fibers and yarn
• Products include fibers for
spinning, knitting, crochet,
and weaving yarns, and
embroidery threads
• Yarn is 100% natural or hand-
dyed in varied colors using
plant and mineral ingredients
• Muezart partners with women
who rear silkworms, spin
yarn, and dye with natural
ingredients in the villages
• Aim is to connect conscious
makers to Eri silk fiber and
traditions, impacting the lives
of artisans in the villages
Design influence
Color Palette: Use colors commonly found in
architecture, such as neutral tones like beige, gray, or
brown, or vibrant hues inspired by stained glass
windows or decorative tiles.

Cultural Influence: Consider the cultural context of


both the architecture and the Eri silk itself.
Incorporating elements from the cultural heritage of the
region where Eri silk is produced can add richness and
authenticity to the design.

Geometric Patterns: Draw inspiration from


architectural shapes and patterns such as arches,
columns, or geometric designs found in buildings.
These could be translated into motifs or borders on the
shawl.
Traditional methods for dye

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