Murithai
MR21084
Indigenous Dimasa Weaves
with alternating kalis (pleats)
Dima Murithai is a folk song that urges the youth to learn weaving and other crafts by teasing them about their family who has yet not taught them these essential skills to live life.
Buma bo daoringya?
Mother doesn't know how to weave
Bupha bo horingya?
Father doesn't know the art of craft
Nana gajao maikhala bara ning thurinang?
When the beautiful baby is born, what will the baby sleep on?
Bari ni laisho daindada, uran-ing thurinang?
Will you cut the leaves of the banana plant around the fence of your house, and let the baby sleep on them?
When a new baby is born, or a male or female dies among Dimasas, it is mandatory for them to be wrapped in their traditional handwoven textiles. Each different textile holds a distinct cultural importance suited only to that textile. Dimasa culture is rich with motifs and their symbolism.
In this Kalidaar, I defined Dimasa weaves in the pallu of the dupatta. To keep the weaves as the highlight, I maintained the plainness of the rest of dupatta. To make the whole ensemble playful, each kali (panel) of this Kalidaar are in alternating crimson like hues made with cotton.
Blouse fabric is an intricately stitched short pattern patchwork (much like the one used in the photoshoot). These patchworks are a laborious piece of stitching art that Mora is coming to be identified with over the years.