Dhurrie Weaving

Introduction: –

Dhurrie weaving is famous for leather crafts and colourful hurries. This rug acts as a reversible flat weave rug or mat. The designs and colors of these carpets are an expression of village surroundings. They were created by craftsmen with the help of designers.

Usage –

Weaver’s from Jawaja village weave colourful dhurries that are mainly used to cover floors or doormats. These multicultural dhurries are also used as wall hangings and art as decor.

Significance –

This project from Jawaja had brought a new lease of life and self dependency to the village. They have been able to break away the caste divide system and form an environment of mutual respect for professions. This art forms the visible interaction of traditional skill and modern designs. They help weavers with self empowerment and reliance as their goals. Jawaja village was created with the purpose that people themselves became a reliable resource. The craftsmen have no capacity to understand the buyer’s demand. The gap was huge and craftsmen need to be given advice regarding wat kind of weaving one needs to do. So, now weavers are categorized into four groups

• Independent Weavers – They have their own looms and havens; capital investment. They know the demand of villagers and cater to their needs. ·       
• Weavers employed by master weavers – they usually produce cloth for wider local market. ·       
• Weaver’s in Jawaja Weaver Association·    –     Weavers are employed under Intensive Hand loom Development scheme and Carpet Weaving Centers. History –

This Jawaja village was collaborated with rural communities to remove the problem of poverty and promote self-reliance.  Volunteers, teachers and students worked together with people of Jawaja village. This village was ignored by government as this village was considered as resource less and underdeveloped region which had given a new lease of life. They used to barter them for trade, food supplies and sell them in local market for cash.

Design -The designs were crafted to allow inspiration from local landscape to be incorporated. These were the characteristics of dhurries-·       

• Patterns used in these curries are simple and pose earthy tones· Ide
• Dhurries are made in plain colors but due to customer demands and changing trends, brighter and vibrant colors are used in these designs·       
• Small knotted tassels on the ends of carpet are common feature. ·       
• Colors have become harmonious and sophisticated·       
• Rugs are tightly woven from uncoloured wool and some dyed colors.

Challenges –

The biggest challenge for Jawaja craftsmen is facing stiff competition and language barrier. They don’t know the customer demands and this affects the craftsman ship skills. The craftsman has no access to transport and due to; buyers of Jataka products are not able to get the products on time. Middle men deal with clients and they might try to cheat these craftsmen. Even though they have a website, there is no direct sales.