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Eri Weave

Eri Weave, founded by Iaishah Rymbai in 2019 in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district, focuses on producing organic, handwoven Eri silk products while empowering local women artisans and preserving traditional crafts. The initiative has gained national recognition and emphasizes sustainable practices, community engagement, and fair wages for artisans. Despite challenges such as high production costs and employment instability, Eri Weave exemplifies the potential of traditional crafts to adapt and thrive in contemporary markets.

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13 views

Eri Weave

Eri Weave, founded by Iaishah Rymbai in 2019 in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district, focuses on producing organic, handwoven Eri silk products while empowering local women artisans and preserving traditional crafts. The initiative has gained national recognition and emphasizes sustainable practices, community engagement, and fair wages for artisans. Despite challenges such as high production costs and employment instability, Eri Weave exemplifies the potential of traditional crafts to adapt and thrive in contemporary markets.

Uploaded by

sinistersoul521
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ERI WEAVE

Reflective Report

Eri Weave is a craft cluster located in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, which was founded by
Iaishah Rymbai in 2019 and officially registered in 2022. Iaishah Rymbai is a dedicated school
teacher and handloom weaver. Her motivation came from a late order of scarves in 2018,
which brought to the fore the lack of knowledge about spinning and weaving among the
community. Eager to rectify this, she partnered with the Raid Iapngar Handloom Weavers
Cooperative Society, and Eri Weave was born. Lebaini Rymbai is the co-founder of Eri Weave,
who partners with Iaishah to advance sustainable livelihoods and the rich cultural heritage of
Eri silk weaving among their people. This initiative focuses on producing organic, handwoven
Eri silk products, empowering local women artisans and preserving traditional crafts. The
facility houses four machines and ten spinning machines that assist in the production
process. The enterprise adheres to eco-friendly practices by using organic dyes, reinforcing
its commitment to sustainability.

Ri-Bhoi District, where Eri Weave is located, is one of the eleven districts of Meghalaya, India.
It is known for its lush greenery, rolling hills, and a predominantly agrarian economy. The
district has a diverse population comprising Khasi, Bhoi, and other indigenous communities.
The economy is primarily dependent on agriculture, handloom, and small-scale industries.
The region experiences a subtropical climate with heavy monsoon rains between June and
September. The average annual temperature ranges between 10°C and 30°C, making it
suitable for Sericulture. Apart from weaving, the people engage in farming, bamboo-based
crafts, and small-scale trade.

The center follows a structured process, from rearing silk cocoons to producing finished
fabrics. The production cycle involves three primary groups:

Silkworm Rearers: They rear the cocoons and process them by boiling and spinning them into
yarn.

Artisans: They dye, weave, and finish the fabric.

Market Coordinators: They handle distribution and sales.

The production of Eri silk is a meticulous process that requires skill and patience. The key
stages include:

Silk Rearing: The domestic Eri silkworm produces the cocoons, which take approximately 28
days to mature from eggs.

Cocoon Processing: The cocoons are boiled to extract the silk fibers, yielding approximately
700 grams of yarn per kilogram of cocoon.

Spinning: Traditionally, the yarn is spun using a Takli (spindle), though a machine has been
introduced to improve efficiency. The spinning process takes about one day.

Dyeing: Natural and organic dyes are used, reinforcing the center’s commitment to
sustainability.

Weaving: Weaving is performed by skilled artisans, taking about three days to produce one
meter of fabric.

The center produces a variety of products, including scarves, stoles, and yardage fabric.
These items are carefully crafted to meet high-end market demands. The brand philosophy
emphasizes collaboration with other communities to expand its reach and promote ethical
fashion. There are 100 skilled workers, who are largely women. Many of these artisans are
single mothers who struggle with night work, making home-based employment crucial. Due to
fluctuating demand, only 12 out of 50 weavers are continuously engaged, creating
employment instability. The training process is primarily self-taught and community-driven,
with experienced weavers mentoring newcomers.

One of the primary market challenges is the cost of production. A kilogram of Eri silk cocoons
costs approximately ₹700, making the final product expensive and limiting its accessibility to
broader markets. The cluster works with NGOs and small business partners to bridge this gap
and enhance its market presence.

Eri Weave serves as an important factor of cultural preservation and economic


empowerment. By reviving a declining tradition, it helps maintain the heritage of Eri silk
weaving. The use of organic dyes and sustainable practices further positions the enterprise as
a responsible and environmentally conscious initiative. In February 2025, EriWeave gained
national recognition by securing an investment of ₹20 lakh for a 12% equity stake on Shark
Tank India Season 4. This achievement marked the first time a company from Meghalaya
received such an opportunity on the show. The annual founding day celebration on July 21st
is a key event that reinforces community engagement and cultural continuity. The center also
educates consumers on the importance of Eri silk, setting a minimum price of ₹1500 per
product to ensure fair wages for artisans. The trip to Eri Weave was an eye-opening
experience that highlighted the confluence of tradition, craftsmanship, and economic
viability. Witnessing the complex processes involved in silk production reinforced my
appreciation for the skill and perseverance needed in traditional weaving. Furthermore,
knowing the socio-economic benefits of the craft center emphasized the role of such centers
in empowering weaker sections of society. At a broader level, Eri Weave is a shining example
of the ability of traditional crafts to evolve to suit contemporary needs while retaining their
cultural heritage. The issues of the craft cluster present vital learning experiences for
budding entrepreneurs and policymakers intending to encourage artisanal industries. Eri
Weave is a shining example of the strength and resourcefulness of the women artisans in Ri-
Bhoi District. Through its dedication to reviving traditional craftsmanship, encouraging
sustainable practices, and promoting community participation, the craft center has
established a niche in the textile sector. Support, financial aid, and strategic market outreach,
however, are necessary to ensure its long-term sustainability. The trip presented an integral
understanding of the craft industry and reinforced the need for preserving traditional
knowledge in a rapidly modernizing world.

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