'Crafts and Weaves' to the rescue of handicrafts industry

05 Feb '07

1 min read

Handicrafts of Assam are very rich and should have a much bigger place in the industry of arts and textile but Assamese government was not doing enough to encourage the handicrafts industry, said Jnanpith Award winning Assamese author Indira Goswami, on Sunday.

Assam government should strengthen the position of weavers and artisans, said Goswami while inaugurating “Crafts and Weaves”, an exhibition to support crafts- men of North-east, which will be held till February 10.

The exhibition has been brought to the city by the Crafts Council of Assam.

Weavers from Jorhat, Majuli and Kokrajhar have brought their weaves and designs and some bamboo products for sale.

Weavers lack communication as most of them are illiterate and government must do something to reduce unemployment and improve the market for them, Goswami said.

Foreigners show more interest in Muga fabric than the locals referring to Malaysian fashion designer, Adric Ong, who has worked extensively with Muga silk and wants to bring Assamese national costumes into the world of fashion.

Muga silk commands great demand, but weavers get exploited because middle-men, hence we help weavers and craftsmen by promoting their work, said Nandini Dutta, Chairperson of the council.

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