The Graduation Project based in Assam was sponsored by Tata Trusts through its initiative ‘Antaran’. Antaran is the result of the craft-based livelihood programme ‘Charkha to Market’ (C2M) which is poised to uplift the marginalized hand loom clusters of Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Nagaland by providing their weavers with adequate design and business training.
The approach of co-design necessitated the preparation of a comprehensive training curriculum for the artisans from the Kamrup cluster of Assam in such a manner that it could finally lead to a collection of market-ready products. Attending artisans from the village of Chapathuri enhanced their understanding of colour theory, colour interaction, ideation of motifs to layouts, and quality control through relevant assignments. Artisans used fly-shuttle frame looms to materialise the outcomes–two lines of naturally dyed Eri saris inspired by the coconut tree and basil plants from the gardens of Chapathuri. The co-designed collection which resulted was thus a collective tribute to the ‘Bagicha’ (garden) of Chapathuri.
Conducting workshops for the team of the wonderful artisans and following their lifestyles closely in Chapathuri remained the ultimate learning curve for everyone involved as it rightly resonated with the motto of ‘Learning Together While Sharing Together’. Though it was never easy to continue because of many hurdles such as flood, CAA-NRC protest and COVID situation on its way, the collective team effort eventually yielded more qualitative results than the usual quantitative ones. In a way, this whole journey reiterated the idea of remaining positive, focused, calm, and grateful despite all the unforeseeable circumstances.
Assamese Textiles, Co-Design, Design Education, Eri Sari, Handloom Weaving
