Gaja

MR21141
Kalamkari | Muga Ghicha | Tulsi
Spoken for

Though I have not spent much time working hands on with Kalamkari, I have always enjoyed whatever little opportunities I get to engage with this craft. North East India has kept me cosily tucked in its lap that I barely venture out, unless it is for the Himalayan mountains. It has to be something like Kalamkari to pull me out of these hills and mountains.

There are more than many amazing experts in the field of Kalamkari. I just follow them and try to learn the deeper nuances of this craft through them. I have drawn a relationship with Kalamkari to bind its connecting thread with weaves of North East India.

The intention is to create prototypes that can significantly represent how textiles of these two diverse regions can come together creatively. And the only way to attempt cultural assimilation of two regions is a creative intervention where the two don’t merge into each other, neither do the two stand apart, but offer a bridge for each other to cross over if the will arises! And to keep in heart that each of these cross overs are only momentary transitions, but never a surrender.

Assimilation with dignity. Assimilation with clear outline of identity. Assimilation with substantial presence.

In solidarity with dignity of North East India in mainland India.

 



This shawl has two complementing sides.

One side is hand crafted Kalamkari from Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh.

And the other side is handspun Muga Ghicha yarn of Gogamukh, upper Assam, woven by Tai Khampti weavers in Arunachal Pradesh.

Also included is borders using Malkha.

Buyer Empowerments

Intrinsic
Value
Wearable textile made with Muga silk of Assam with Kalamkari of Andhra Pradesh.
Creative
Aspect
One of a kind wearable heirloom that collages indigenous technique of handcrafting Muga of North East India with Kalamkari of South India.
The elegant drape of fine Muga Ghicha compliments the story telling of Kalamkari on the other side.
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
Dry clean recommended. “Made to not be fragile”. Care-free. Seasonal “Airing” in shadow, not direct sun. Do not wring.
State
Ready to wear
Soul
Natural, organic, hand-made. Something to grow old with and then pass it on to loved ones. The ruggedness of Ghicha will grow gentle with time.
Drape
Elegant, Subtle, Heirloom, Grounding
Concerns
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.
Supporting Kalamkari artisans of SriKalahasthi.
In support of ethical enterprises like Malkha India.
Well-being Properties
Muga aspect of the shawl offers Thermal insulation, Moisture absorption, UV protective, completely bio-degradable, Climate conscious
Kalamkari by Subbarao, Sri Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh.
Muga Ghicha is made under the supervision of Nang Dharmavati, with creative guidelines from Mora, Assam.
Muga ghicha yarn made at Gogamukh, Assam.
Solid cotton fabric by Malkha India.
Stitching by Gurmel Singh, Jalalabad, Punjab.
Tulsi beadwork by Param, Bathinda, Punjab.
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.
Mora Collective 2025
designed by: MIDTOAN
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