Team Out of Town
Ikkat weaving in Pochampally, India
Bhoodan Pochampally – Nestled in the state of Telangana, India, this small town is known for its intricate woven products, such as dresses, scarves, and clothes. This is the simple town of Pochampally, officially known as Bhoodan Pochampally. The town’s small population focuses on cultural jobs, especially Loom Weaving, the specialty of the Bhoodan Pochampally Village.
Art of Loom Weaving in Pochampally, India by Akhil Pawar via Unsplash
With publicity and tourism, Pochampally slowly began to develop and is considered one of the “Best Tourism Villages in the World” by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. Being nominated to this list is a major achievement for the people of Pochampally, as more and more tourists from around the world visit and discover the unparalleled beauty of its culture and traditions.
History of Loom Weaving in the World
The history of loom weaving dates back to as early as 4,400 BC in Ancient Egypt, with loom threads used by Chinese and Colombians found across the globe. By 700 AD, researchers found horizontal and vertical looms across continents like Asia, Africa, and Europe. When John Kay invented the flying shuttle in 1733, it revolutionized textile weaving, enabling faster, broader production.
More than 6,000 years later, loom weaving is still alive and kicking, specifically in Pochampally, India. This is the only place left in the world that still trusts its master weavers to create high-quality textiles. In fact, this industry remains India’s largest employer. So one thing’s for sure: loom weaving is here to stay in India. It is well protected and preserved so future generations can still continue one of the most beautiful cultural arts ever created.
Loom Weaving as an Art
Weaving is an art mastered by countless ethnic groups across countries and centuries. Some master weavers, especially from highly developed countries, are already extinct, but some continue the legacy our oldest ancestors left. The tools, processes, and finished products are works of art in themselves, and weavers deserve to be treated as artists.
How Does Loom Weaving Work?
Simply put, weaving is the process of making cloth or textiles by interlacing threads at right angles to each other. A loom is a machine or device that holds the threads in place to help you weave them easily. Basically, you interlace the threads one after the other repeatedly until you create a finished product.
Yes, what you’re thinking is absolutely true. Loom weaving requires tremendous patience, concentration, and skill. This is why master weavers are incredibly talented and almost one of a kind.
The Thriving Business of Loom Weaving in Pochampally
As I’ve mentioned earlier, Loom Weaving has made Bhoodan Pochampally, India, one of the best tourist villages in the world. This is because almost 100% of the small population focuses on loom weaving. Tourism and market sales are slowly helping the small town progress and, hopefully, overcome poverty if patronage stays consistent.
Pochampally is known as the “Silk City of India,” especially for the iconic Ikat Silk Saree. These beautiful loom-woven products are worn as traditional dresses by Indian women and perfectly represent India’s rich culture. When you visit Pochampally, you’ll see the village’s main street lined with countless stores selling these beautiful products. So when you get the chance to visit, make sure to buy one!
Why is Pochampally’s weaving craft in danger?
Despite the awards and recognition Pochampally has received as the Silk City of India, the small town continues to struggle with poverty. Moreover, the village’s master weavers also suffer huge losses from fake competitors who sell replicas of their products online. Sadly, many customers fall for this, hurting loom weavers’ businesses in Pochampally.
Many weavers are giving up their loom-weaving business as silk becomes more expensive day by day. Buyers are purchasing finished products cheaply, leaving weavers with meager profits.
Several organizations and institutions have already supported and pledged to preserve the magnificent art of loom weaving in Pochampally, India. This cultural art has been with us for more than 6 millennia, and we should all do our part to preserve it so future generations can still admire it.
Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel and tech-related updates.
Read:
- Top 16 Best Things To Do In Abra Province
- Taking No Chances: Mondial Direct Offers Filipinos Innovative Products For Protection Against COVID19
- Revenge Travel? Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) Is Ready For You
- UNESCO Names Baguio City As The First Creative City In The Philippines
