How many of us are wondering if the title of this article is right? This write up will throw some light on the topic chosen.
So what exactly is Handloom? A simple meaning is - A bunch of thread or yarn woven into cloth over a rudimentary machine without the use of any source of energy other than the manual energy of the weaver. A loom is basically a wooden or bamboo structure with some basic parts that hold the warp threads under tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft threads.
Handloom has always been a cottage industry with the involvement of the entire family and has been practised in many countries, especially in India for centuries. Right from gathering the raw materials, to spinning the yarn, colouring, to weaving is done by the family members. And when do we think the use of this technique could have started? Actually there is no definite birth year to be dedicated to this loom. In India, some historians date it back to the 8th century and some European thinkers to the 13th century.
Also Read: Integration of Art & Craft in Mathematics
The loom looks complicated and definitely requires a lot of practice to master this skill. How were these master craftsmen creating such beautiful designs on cloth with so much precision and uniformity? People were coding out the intricate designs and patterns on to punch cards which were thick paper with holes that were punctured on it. Many complicated and intricate geometric patterns were thus coded and this practice is still in vogue today.
Really glad that our school has a weaving curriculum and have two weaving looms for the students to learn this unique craft which will do them a world of good both in their sensory development and pique their creative minds to better innovation and self esteem .
