Phek embarks on mission to revive traditional weaving technique

Dimapur, Jan. 23 (EMN): With an aim to revive and promote local traditional weaving methods among women, Phek district administration and the district level centre for women- Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) organised an awareness-cum-exhibition on traditional weaving techniques at Leshemi village in Phek district on January 23.

The event was organised to commemorate the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) week 2021, a campaign of the government of India aimed at generating awareness and improving the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls in India. An update stated that discussions were held on new design techniques and ways to open to new markets across India.

Speaking on the occasion, sub-divisional officer (civil) and nodal officer of BBBP, Phek, N Bhavani Sri, expressed that stinging nettle fabric has an excellent market only if the supply chain could be properly streamlined. In this regard, she encouraged the women to come up with designs that are more modern.

While appreciating the Leshemi women society for their recent efforts in connecting with right designers and brands, she stressed on the importance of preserving local methods and practices. She also encouraged the women to ensure incorporating traditional methods with modern design in order to keep their products in demand and relevant.

She observed that the process of making 'thebvo meneh' mekhela, which involves various steps right from collection of raw material to drying, dyeing, weaving etc is achievable only because of the unity and strong community mobilisation among the villagers.

Meanwhile, Wetsho Lasushe, EAC Phek, said weaving should not be considered only as part of culture but also as a profession. He suggested that innovative ideas should be reflected in the designing of the products and thereby making it marketable.

Chairperson Neipetso Lomi, in the introductory speech, stated that stinging nettles (Thebvo in Kuzhale) practices was passed down by forefathers since time immemorial and was believed that Thebvo production originated from Leshemi in Chakhesang area.

Leshemi village preserves the tradition and culture of Thebvo production till today. In order to preserve the culture, the village has created a brand by the name ‘Leshemi Origins.’ The fibre-to-fabric journey is completely local and self-sustaining. The entire community is involved in the creation process as stinging-nettle strips are thigh-reeled and converted to yarn, then beaten, bleached, softened, dyed, and strip-woven on back-strap looms, also known as loin looms.

Explaining the process, the villagers mentioned that the harvesting of stinging nettles begins from early part of November till January, which is done in winter when nettles' leaves wither which makes the bark strong and firm. After this, the production of Thebvo goes through different processes.

On the occasion, women from the village demonstrated the making of stinging nettles, which is also known as Thebvo in Kuzhale.

As part of the BBBP Week 2021, the district administration and DLCW- Mahila Shakti Kendra (BBBP) has organised various activities such as ‘Dadi-Poti’ (grandmother-granddaughter) selfie contest, distribution of BBBP calendar to the HoD in Phek headquarters and in all the sub-divisions, online poetry slam competition from January 21 to the 26th on the theme "I stand for her.”

Besides, it also distributed baby kits and certificates to District Hospital Phek to encourage institutional delivery, display of Phek district BBBP theme song on local channel/ media. The declaration of selfie contest, felicitation of local champions, display of BBBP stall would be done on Republic Day followed by a signature campaign.