Zoveyo
MR21116
Thebvo (stinging nettle yarn) expressed through crochet.
Made in Nagaland
Spoken for
When we started Thebvo Project in 2014, I realised that the main contribution of the yarn came from grandmothers who were 70 years and above. Some of the grandmothers had been making Thebvo since they were 7-8 years old. Amidst many stories of how they learnt the Thebvo art from their mothers, or mother-in laws, we decided that the hands that have continued making Thebvo since decades must be given the right honour. Grandmothers (Amezu in Kuzhale) are used to making super coarse yarn. So, we devised a livelihood module customised especially for grandmothers, who have developed muscle memory for making Indigenous coarse Thebvo fibre since their childhood. This module enables them to earn till their last days and earn double wages than others for the work they produced.
Grandmothers always express their wish to continue being of support to their families and use Thebvo wages to buy milk, sugar, tea and biscuits for their young ones. Some of them used their wages for house repairs and for making Pig sty.
Lt. Amezu Kezutshü said during training session 2015, “I am old, I can’t work in the fields but i can sit and do spinning and twisting. So I’ll work with all my heart to earn my living and also teach the young ones. My children, (Thebvo Project team) to whom I am a stranger, came and tried to help me so I am thankful to them. And I also want to teach my grandchildren. With these things in mind I work with delightful and cheerful heart.”
You can see her, other Thebvo artisans and glimpses of the process here
This knitted Thebvo shawl is made using the yarn made by Amezu Kezutshu-ü. I always called her Zoveyo which means “most beautiful”. To me she was most beautiful. While Amezu was still alive, we would often pass her home while she silently worked on Thebvo in her home courtyard, and I would shout out to her “Oooooo zoveyo!!!”. To that she always giggled and covered her mouth so no-one would see her teeth!
We introduced knitting with indigenous Thebvo yarn to be able to sustain the coarse yarn making of grandmothers and keep the indigenous tradition going while also adapt it to modern context.
Grandmothers always express their wish to continue being of support to their families and use Thebvo wages to buy milk, sugar, tea and biscuits for their young ones. Some of them used their wages for house repairs and for making Pig sty.
Lt. Amezu Kezutshü said during training session 2015, “I am old, I can’t work in the fields but i can sit and do spinning and twisting. So I’ll work with all my heart to earn my living and also teach the young ones. My children, (Thebvo Project team) to whom I am a stranger, came and tried to help me so I am thankful to them. And I also want to teach my grandchildren. With these things in mind I work with delightful and cheerful heart.”
You can see her, other Thebvo artisans and glimpses of the process here
This knitted Thebvo shawl is made using the yarn made by Amezu Kezutshu-ü. I always called her Zoveyo which means “most beautiful”. To me she was most beautiful. While Amezu was still alive, we would often pass her home while she silently worked on Thebvo in her home courtyard, and I would shout out to her “Oooooo zoveyo!!!”. To that she always giggled and covered her mouth so no-one would see her teeth!
We introduced knitting with indigenous Thebvo yarn to be able to sustain the coarse yarn making of grandmothers and keep the indigenous tradition going while also adapt it to modern context.
For voice of Thebvo makers and community please see blog. The proceeds from this textile are intended towards Thebvo project "artisans at ease".
Buyer Empowerments
Intrinsic
Value
Value
Wearable textile made with ancient fibre to yarn making techniques of Kuzhami people, that are slowly being abandoned in modern context. Hope of rejuvenation that a textile that has lasted the test of thousand of years, can still enthral the makers and wearer’s senses.
Creative
Aspect
Aspect
One of a kind wearable heirloom that took indigenous coarse Thebvo and gave it a modern adaptation by asking the locals to try their hand on a new skill on Thebvo, Crochet. They and we loved the new language crochet brought to Thebvo.
Helf-Feel
Moderate
Weather/
Mood
Pleasant-not warm not cold.
Longevity
Sturdy, long-lasting- “lifelong” in their words, making it a generational heirloom. Texture will grow with time.
Care
It can be washed at home. Do not wring and do not hang dry. Seasonal “Airing” in shadow, not direct sun. Be careful to not let the crochet get trapped and pulled. IF it does, crochet is easy to repair and you will be provided some extra thread for it.
State
Ready to wear
Soul
100% natural, organic, hand-made, from nature-back to nature. Something to grow old with and then pass it on to loved ones. The ruggedness will grow gentle with time.
Drape
Elegant, Grounding, Heirloom
Concerns
Addressed
Addressed
Made in rural household.
Weaves made by artisan at home in available time- supporting farming lifestyle. Direct connect with artisan.
Reverse pyramid model- Fair benefit to all makers and facilitators.
No bargaining with artisans. Mutual decision-making.
No deadline/ pressure based work environment made with need-greed, human-nature balance.
Made with intentional non-injury. Slow production- slow movement product.
Made less, made ethically.
Has gone through no chemical processing.
Has gone through no machinery or mechanised processing units.
Weaves made by artisan at home in available time- supporting farming lifestyle. Direct connect with artisan.
Reverse pyramid model- Fair benefit to all makers and facilitators.
No bargaining with artisans. Mutual decision-making.
No deadline/ pressure based work environment made with need-greed, human-nature balance.
Made with intentional non-injury. Slow production- slow movement product.
Made less, made ethically.
Has gone through no chemical processing.
Has gone through no machinery or mechanised processing units.
Well-being
Properties
Thermal insulation, Moisture absorption, UV protective, completely bio-degradable, Climate conscious
This Thebvo is made by Indigenous Kuzhami community with assistance of Thebvo project est 2014, Nagaland.
Disclaimer:
Imperfections in the weaves reflect handmade
Irregularity in the dyes reflect natural process
Innocent spots in the textiles reflect being homemade
A work of nature cannot be sterile and error-free
A choice to still buy what we make is a step
Towards supporting original culture
Of people
Of nature
Of craft
A celebration of humanness.
Imperfections in the weaves reflect handmade
Irregularity in the dyes reflect natural process
Innocent spots in the textiles reflect being homemade
A work of nature cannot be sterile and error-free
A choice to still buy what we make is a step
Towards supporting original culture
Of people
Of nature
Of craft
A celebration of humanness.
Mora Collective 2024
designed by: MIDTOAN