THE TRIBAL WEAVERS OF NORTH EAST INDIA
Recently a link to these films was shared with me. They are such heart warming stories told so beautifully, so I thought I would return the favour and pass them on.
This series of short films about the weavers of Tripura, India, were produced by Storyloom Films, a female filmmaker duo from Jaipur known for textile centric short films and was produced for their “Crafting Futures India Project” residency program facilitated by British Council. These are the stories:
Chandrani – The Pasra Weaver
“Chandrani is a talented weaver who lives in Agartala, Tripura India. She shared with us how her traditional skill of weaving helped her gain self employment and made her independent.”
Pardita – Weaving Threads Through Tradition
“Pardita, has been working with Shankhala Handloom Cluster, Simna for the past 7 years as an incharge and managing director. This cluster strives to help women to become independent by using the traditional skills and knowledge as a source of income. Steps are being taken to commercialize weaving. Pardita has a deep seated inspiration to work hard because she grew up seeing and absorbing weaving at home which convinced her that she needed to continue her tradition and make women independent and proud in the years to come.”
Risa – The Sacred Cloth
“The Debbarma community of Lefunga village worship Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth also locally known as Mailuma. The pots are filled with rice, decorated wtih flowers and incense stricks. Risa, a small piece of cloth which is used to cover the upper portion of the female body. The Risa is used in worship, religious gatherings and festivals. The Mailuma Pooja is done for prosperity and the well being of villagers.”
Weaving – The Lost Tradition
“Rupinis are one of the oldest clans among the diverse tribes of Tripura. Today, only a dwindling number of tribals share the love for their ancestors skill of weaving. They weave endemic Risa & Pasra (ethnic clothing) by using organic cotton from their fields and colours from natural dyes, which is largely self sustained. The design is often inspired by their surroundings due to their close bond with nature. Even with changing times they continue to celebrate weaving which further knits their culture together.”
Find out more about Storyloom Films here