NEW DELHI: People from different parts of the capital, mainly those from Northeast are thronging to “Threads of Change: Textile Cultures of North East India,” an exhibition that features traditional fabrics and garments from the region.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Delhi, which had commissioned the project, has co-organized the exhibition which will continue till January 21.
“Each community or tribe has its own unique identity,” says NID project head Romanie Jaitly, referring to the weaves and garments of the North-East.
The Meghalaya corner has the Biate tribe’s puanpuii, a cotton tufted blanket woven on backstrap looms.
The Assam exhibition area has on display mekhala chaddar, a silk garment worn by women, and gamosa, a white cotton rectangular cloth with red embroidered borders used as a towel. The Arunachal Pradesh stall has haskholo, a braided yak-hair belt made by the Brokpa community and used as a neck strap for calves.
A prominent feature of the Nagaland stall is nyeko, a shawl worn by Konyak women, which shows the influence of Christianity and has motifs inspired by tombstone designs.
For those keen on learning weaving and beadwork, there is a demonstration area in the exhibition hall. Every day artisans from tribal communities, such as the Konyak and Chakhesang communities will showcase their craft using the loin loom, beads and eri silk.
One can also buy mekhala chaddars, gamosas, eri silk shawls, beaded jewellery and belts, bamboo mats and bags. Outside the exhibition area, a few café stalls have been set up to serve North-Eastern food.
