Title: HAND WEAVING

Language: sumi

Description: The traditional weaving techniques of Nagaland (one of the north-eastern states of India) include using a back strap loom, also known as a loin loom or pit loom to weave textiles from handspun cotton, eri silk, nettle, and bark fibers. The loin loom is a portable bamboo loom with a back strap and six bamboo poles that act as a warp beam. It’s fastened to a wall with rope loops that are spaced out based on the width of the cloth being woven. The back strap loom is a favorite among weavers because it’s convenient.
The Naga people use weaving to identify their true identity, and each tribe has its own patterns. Traditional motifs include simple, clean lines, stripes, squares, and bands. The intricate process of weaving a single motif can take several days. The loin loom, used by Naga women, is a portable loom made from bamboo that has a back strap with a continuous horizontal warp. It has six bamboo poles that function as the warp beam. It is fastened to a wall by loops made from simple rope that are set at a distance equal to the breadth of the cloth to be woven.

Format & Duration: Video: 39 secs
Date of Recording: 8/15/2024
Date of Upload: 9 December 2024
Performer: ZHETOLI YEPTHOMI
Creator: ALVIKA A ZHIMOMI
Publisher: Tetso College, Dimapur
Note: The Nagas used and still use the ‘back strap or body tension’ loom for weaving fabric. It is the most favoured loom, and is very convenient for the weaver because of its portability. In Nagaland, weaving is in the domain of women. Spinning, dyeing and weaving are exclusively undertaken by women.

Cite this work

 ALVIKA A ZHIMOMI . 2024  . HAND WEAVING (Narrated by ZHETOLI YEPTHOMI)  . NEIIPA, Tetso College  . (https://neiipa.in/audio/hand-weaving/)  . Accessed: (04-Feb-2025)