Weaving with the use of traditional loin loom still remains an integral part of Naga women as it is in other parts of the North-East region. Women in Nagaland take immense pride in their rich tradition of weaving colours and motifs for her loved ones. Loin loom or the back-strap loom is one of the oldest methods of weaving practised by Nagas.
North East Network has over the years been gradually building the core strength of handloom weavers in Nagaland by promoting natural fibres, hand-spun yarn, natural dyes and training weavers different designs. Recently, on 2-4 February 2022, a 3-day advance course on design and product development was conducted by North East Network in Chozuba, Yoruba and at the Women Resource Centre, Runguzu Nasa.
56 community women from 4 communities viz. Chozuba, Yoruba, Runguzu Nasa and Chozuba town, participated in the training facilitated by our experienced team from ‘Chizami Weaves’. The training programme was supported by the Department of Women Resource Development, Nagaland.
Chizami Weaves, which is a livelihood initiative by NEN has been creating employment opportunities for rural women in Nagaland for over a decade. It is also an attempt to preserve the traditional weaving skills and design motifs which is a dying art in the modern Naga society.
The training aimed at enhancing the women’s earning opportunities especially amongst rural households where women can weave between their primary occupations of farming.
The 3 day training covered the entire process of weaving from colour coordination, warping, weaving, motif designing to product finishing. Participants learned to weave home furnishing products such as cushion covers, table mats, etc. The design and product development will enable the weavers to have more versatility in weaving different types of products and give them the opportunity of having a ready market for their woven products. Through Chizami Weaves, they will receive a continuous supply of raw materials and orders for weavers.
Know more about CHIZAMI WEAVES
