Threads of Hope

ART OF WEAVING

Handloom is one of the most exquisite traditions of India. For hand-spun and woven tapestry has been an integral part of Indian identity. The rural India is the handloom heartland and is home to some of India’
s finest and distinctive weaving styles. The dim lit rooms, with rickety loom structures that have remained unchanged through the centuries are where the magic happens that instil generational knowledge and the art of weaving.

MAESTROS OF THE CRAFT

Weavers are traditionally organised into communities who have sustained their art and skill by preserving traditional knowledge through oral traditions. Their craft is both an artistic tradition and a foundation of livelihood. The weavers and the workers who engage in this art are traditionally skilled for they are the generational prodigal sons and daughters.

We at Frontier Raas work closely with the weavers across the sub-continent and see them adapting to the new work culture of the fast paced industry. Hence, we went all in, to look closely into what goes into making the “woven air” heirlooms.

A weaver from Dharmavaram, Andhra Pradesh has been in the trade for the past 8 years after shadow working under his father at their generational looms. The weaver is 34 years of age and is living a full life with his 3 kids for whom he wishes a different future! He realises the need of the times are different and that
education is paramount to survive and sustain for he realises the risks that his lineage comes with.

He explains that the retail markets are very unstable and the indecisive nature of the clients hold a major threat to their livelihood. He humbly informs us that a single handloom saree takes him about 30 days to complete, for every piece is a masterpiece and require dedication.

After he poured his heart out and told us about his struggles we couldn’t help but ask of what drives him to still continue? He responded with honesty, that in spite all the challenges he wakes up every morning to complete what he started, the thrill of creating something out of nothing still excites him. He reiterates that this is the most important passions of his life.

Perhaps, art is a beautiful ailment, a curse and a
blessing.
Another weaver who closely works with us, talked to us from Uppada, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Situated, where the fine woven Upadda sarees originate from. Like most weavers he learnt his skills from his father, as him from his forefathers. Carrying the lineage forward him and his family put day and night into their craft
and yet seem dissatisfied from the outcome which is bare minimum. He tells us that working relentlessly in the handloom sector is tasking and not rewarding for they are constantly underpaid for their work, he added- for the many hours and the weather conditions, don’t make it any easier. Throwing back to the other weaver from Dharmavaram, our weaver from Upadda loves his craft and is passionately involved in his artistry.

One-fourth of the total cloth production in the country is from the handloom sector. In terms of employment, it ranks next to the agricultural industry and yet the artisans who have thrived through the up heaving history rank as underdogs in the hierarchy. Which is directly leading to the demise of the handloom culture as the young crowd is gravitating and migrating to cities for better opportunities to survive the cut throat competition against the power loom culture while dismissing their golden past hesitantly.

JOINING HANDS TOGETHER

True, the handloom weaving industry is diminishing and getting lost in time, which is why we bring you this story to realise and appreciate the home-grown finesse that once ruled the land of culture and was world famous. We bring you the diverse weavers and their weaves embedded in cultural lives. So that the humiliation of leaving ones lineage halts for once and for good. Together we can ensure that the craftsmanship can be carried forward, by empowering them to continue while we aid them in every way possible.

RAAS SAREES OF INDIA

Frontier Raas, brings you Sarees of India is an amalgamation of the finest woven sarees from the Indian subcontinent. A selection of Indigenous craft straight from the generational looms showcasing the technique and excellent workmanship. The aim is to bring the indigenous handloom to the forefront to sustain the Homegrown culture of fine woven tapestry. From the Ghats of Banaras to the lush southern parts of India.

Our exclusive selection is dream come true for the connoisseurs of the drape. And a humble yet important stir towards promoting the handloom industry and introducing them to local and global markets. Our efforts to rejuvenate the ailing clusters by providing the right opportunities, accessibility and availability. For we wish the weavers a kinder sea!