Re-iagining the Wool-craft of India – FESCH.TV

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

PRESENTED BY SUMITA GHOSE & CO-PRESENTED WITH JEN HOOVER, NISHA SUBRAMANIAM, GHATIT LAHERU, SHOURYAMOY DAS & SUSHMA IYENGAR

Indian wool craft is variedly rich. A wide range of pastoral terrains, climates, communities, native animal breeds, as well as wool fibres, staple lengths and textures have shaped the indigenous crafting practices and products. Many such crafts practices, techniques, and products are considered outmoded today.

A collaborative partnership of craft organizations with support from the Centre for Pastoralism, have, in the past two years, begun to reimagine desi oon (indigenous wool), and the wool craft of India. Working with pastoralists, hand spinners, weavers, dyers, felters, and local fabricators, they have developed iconic apparels/home products which sit with contemporary fashion have reimagined desi oon and oon
craft of India to develop iconic apparels/home products which sit with contemporary fashion. This collection has emerged after a study of local fibres, products (apparel & furnishings), skills, and pastoral cultures. The team has undertaken experiments and
innovated by blending fibres and yarns to create fresh fabrics.

The initiative sought to:
● develop the potential of indigenous wool from the different pastoral regions of India, and create new opportunities for pastoralists to add value, process their wool, and better sustain their livelihoods, while considering its local potential for value addition and processing with relevance to the pastoralist economy.
● Develop and create fully handcrafted textiles from the indigenous wool of five regions in India, which are production friendly, saleable, and enhance both the economy and creative potential for craft artisans.
● Unlock and celebrate the story of India’s indigenous wool, its journey over centuries, the shepherds and artisans who have nurtured these wooly breeds, the fibre and its crafts, and highlight the contemporary challenges they face.

This visual presentation will display narrative panels, craft products which have been developed as a part of the collection, present the processes which led to blending innovations and design solutions. This presentation will showcase efforts of some of India’s best craft organizations, as they breathe new life into the value chain of indigenous wool.