Promoting Motia Saree Weavers of Jharkhand

sakshikumari204
3 min readJul 21, 2022

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Sabhekar

The art has got no mention on the web currently. Use of this sarees, these days are mostly restricted to tribal festivals & their other religious ceremonies. My sister & I took it as an objective to document & promote the same by modernising it before it is lost in history.

Introduction

The art of Motia Saree weaving is currently practised in Chainpur, Khunti, Lohardaga, Simdega, Laltehar districts of state of Jharkhand. The weavers mostly belong to the “Chik Baraik” community as evident by the other name for the Motia saree, “Chikow Bunawat” or “biru saree”.

It is mostly worn by the adivasis of Jharkhand during sarhul or during the marriage ceremonies. They are presented to mother’s or paternal and maternal grandmother’s during the wedding ceremonies. It is called “Nani-ledri”. And men are gifted “Biru Gamcha” woven out of the same material. The same was earlier used to carry newborns on the back by both men and women. This piece of fabric is called “Betra Gamcha”.

This artform has got no mention on the web currently. Use of this sarees, these days are restricted to tribal festivals & religious ceremonies. Therefore, the artform needs to be documented and revived on urgent basis before it is lost in history.

Sabhekar, Jharkhand

Sabhekar is a Ranchi (Jharkhand) based brand, founded by two sisters Ritika and Sakshi. It provides an unparalleled collection of the country’s and notably Jharkhand’s most exquisite works, from skilfully woven fabrics to elaborate handicrafts. The goal is to introduce the state’s handicrafts to a global community.

“Pushp Gutch” by Sabhekar

Jharkhand International Film Fest Awards 2021

Sabhekar’s recently launched collection, “Pushpa gutch” is inspired by the mahua flowers (commonly used in the state for various rituals and medicinal use). The garments are designed using the traditionally handwoven “Motiya saree/padiya saree”. Being pure cotton, the collection is driven by the concept of maximum sustainability and beautified with hand-embroidered mahua flowers.

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Each of the stunning garments reflects the rich history and legacy passed down through the generations of highly accomplished weavers and craftspeople. Sabhekar also envisions to make it a lot easier for artisans by providing a decent platform for them to exhibit their creations. Despite the fact that the products are traditionally classic, they have a modern spin!

The idea of Sabhekar project “The Pushpa Gutch” emerged with the idea to club sustainability and entrepreneurship to give back something to the society.

Research & Photographs: Copyright Sakshi Kumari
Contact: sakshi.kumari.1@nift.ac.in

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