Handloom Weaves

Despite the challenges, there is great potential and opportunity for Kachchh’s handloom sector.  It is perhaps the only regional cluster of weavers in India who can create intricate motifs in thicker yarns of wool, cotton & silk.  The skill of supplementary and extra weft techniques that the weavers have makes the weaving tantamount to embroidery.

However, the weavers have been limited both by the single product-driven production they have (mainly shawls & stoles) as well as being limited in usage of yarns like wool and acrylic. Their markets have also been appropriated by cheap industrial imitations of their designs by factories in Ludhiana.

KHAMIR’s strategy has been to introduce new raw materials, dyeing and weaving techniques with cotton dyeing practices, product development for diversification, brand building for Kachchh weaving and securing a Geographical Indications copyright for the Kachchh shawl.

A brief note on GI Registration for Kachchhi Hand Woven Shawls:

Geographical Indications(GI) of Goods are defined as that aspect of industrial property which refers to the geographical indication referring to a country or to a place situated therein as being the country or place of origin of that product. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality, region or country.  It is an indication originating from a geographical territory and is used to identify natural, agricultural or manufactured products. It does not include services. The manufactured goods should be produced or processed or prepared in that territory and It should have a special quality or reputation or other characteristics.

Kachchh is known for its colourful shawls, woven with motifs which have been passed down through generations of artisan communities.  They were originally made from local desi wools and were traditionally worn as veils. The shawl featured here incorporates the traditional dholki motif.  Artisans continue to design and produce shawls for the local market as their shawls are widely worn throughout Kachchh in the winter months. The 1980s introduced a variety of yarns including cottons, wools, and acrylics to the craft.

Markets of these shawls have also been appropriated by cheap industrial imitations of their designs by factories in Ludhiana. To secure these traditional knowledge, designs and products KHAMIR facilitated the Kachchh Weavers Association to apply for the registration of Geographical Indications of the traditional Shawls and hoping to get GI registration for Shawls very soon.