
17 Feb Nepal’s Dhaka woven cloth a dying art ??
My journey with Duti on the trail of the Dhaka weavers of Nepal.

The Discovery
“The art of Dhaka hand-loomed weaving is at risk of being lost in time to a mere paragraph in a history book.”
The Dhaka designer explained as we sat chatting over coffee in a small shop in Kathmandu one late afternoon on brisk winters day. We sat marveling at the geometric pattern and the colour combinations of the shawls . Each piece a unique individual article of weaving. One has to have admiration for the consummate skills of the weavers.

Difficulties of Dhaka
The designer told me that it was becoming difficult to locate skilled weavers. Many weavers were retiring or looking for easier ways of making money. The hand loomed weaving skills that are passed from mother to daughter for generations are in decline due to lack of interest. The designer has been working with weavers from eastern Nepal for over 20 years. Providing them with designs, colour combinations, threads and workshops to improve their skill level. It is important to loom patterns with colours that will compliment modern fashion.

The production of Dhaka cloth is very time consuming and the exquisite geometric patterns depending on it’s complexity, dictates the hours of creation time and sets the selling price .
After making my purchases we departed, myself deep in thought regarding the discussion.Merging into the shadows of the deepening twilight Duti hailed a beaten up taxi and we joined the frantic rush of peak hour traffic of Kathmandu.
History
The history of Cotton Dhaka is over a thousand years old. Dhaka first appeared in Eastern Nepal, created by women of the Rai and Limbu tribes. The Dhaka fabric was created into everyday clothing. The weavers in these remote villages spun and dyed the cotton threads. Weavers today purchase the threads from suppliers.
Threads used
Other combinations of threads used now are rayon & cotton. The threads on the warp and weft of the loom give the fabric this luminescent sheen that adds an elegance to the finished shawl.
Cotton & Rayon thread combination gives that luminescence quality as in the tones of red Dhaka
Dhaka has survived turbulent times competing against the cheaper fabrics derived from the power looms. Only the dedication of the village weavers to retain their culture and art has kept it from ceasing to exist.
Survival
Dhaka has played an important role in the culture and history of Nepal.
To loose this remarkable hand loomed fabric would be a great loss. In supporting these talented weavers we need to purchase their products. The next generation is encouraged to keep the art and tradition alive by the strength of interest from us.
Check out the Nepal Dhaka shawls on this website and help support the weavers of Nepal retain their ancient craft.
ReplyForward |
0.71 GB (4%) of 15 GB usedManageTerms · Privacy · Program Policies Last account activity: 2 days agoDetails
Max Peters
Posted at 14:31h, 17 FebruaryFascinating history in words and pictures of a highly skilled and beautiful craft which should be preserved.
intrica1
Posted at 21:15h, 19 FebruaryThanks for the comment, it is very much worth preserving.
suzanne giddins
Posted at 11:25h, 19 Februaryjust love the story and pictures to illuminate a magnificent history and heritage in weave.,
intrica1
Posted at 21:14h, 19 FebruaryGlad you enjoyed the story.
Brantgag
Posted at 07:05h, 06 MarchHello! I like your locale and useful communication. Thank. I will be overwhelming my thoughts here.
http://www.3ec0f4c78de5021b18.com
intrica1
Posted at 19:04h, 06 MarchGlad you enjoyed the blog.