Young Designers 2011

		Young Designers 2011
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Swati Venkat | svenky1104@yahoo.co.in

Weaving with the Monpas: Re-discovering Card-Weaving in Kalaktang, Arunachal Pradesh

Textile Design | GDPD
Guide: Swasti Singh Ghai
Sponsor: IGNA and Outreach Programmes

Keywords
Arunachal Pradesh
Monpa tribe
Textile traditions
Documentation

The Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts has commissioned NID to undertake a project, to research and document the indigenous textile traditions of the north-eastern states of India. As part of this project, my work focused on the Monpa tribe who inhabit the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

The process involved recording not only techniques and processes, but also understanding textiles as a system and as a part of the larger whole. During the four months of field work, I studied the way a fabric is created and used by the Monpas, their relationship with their natural environment and their ability to adapt to their harsh surroundings. The rare technique of card-weaving was applied to create distinctive products that could be used in several ways because of their sturdiness and functionality. They were imbued with a deep spiritual value on account of the symbols they bore. I wanted to create awareness about these simple yet versatile products: narrow-width card-woven bands.
An informal workshop was conducted with the intention of spreading knowledge of this special technique, providing impetus and complete freedom to the local women to explore and experiment with it. In both economic and spiritual terms, the renewal of this tradition meant an increase in its relevance, scope and the possibilities it offered.

This project offered me an unparalleled opportunity to come into contact with some very inspiring people and see what design really is about. The experience has changed the way I look at my role of a designer, as an agent of thoughtful and sensitive change.