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| ‘Tana Bana’ attracts large crowd |
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Monday, February 16, 2009
by Saadia Khalid
Islamabad
A number of people visited and appreciated the traditional art of weaving displayed in an exhibition at Lok Virsa where as many as 32 traditional ‘Khaddis’ (handlooms) were set up on its premises.
The exhibition titled ‘Tana Bana-Weavers of the Human Soul’ displayed the artwork by the artisans from remote areas of Pakistan where they portrayed their expertise on the spot while amazing the visors through their strong grasp over the art.
The artisans focused on weaving linen and articles of clothing and common weal like ‘khes,’ ‘lungi,’ ‘khatta,’ ‘khaddar’ and ‘sussi.’ Among all ‘Khaddar’ and ‘Sussi’ remained the centre of attention for most of the visitor visiting the facility. The traditional and lively event was inaugurated by Ministry of Culture Additional Secretary Akram Shaheedi who appreciated the efforts of Lok Virsa for highlighting the traditional craft of ‘Khaddi.’
“It is an ideal platform to encourage artisans for producing handicrafts using traditional skills, patterns and themes in an innovative way to ensure continuity and sustainability of these traditional skills,” he said.
The students from Karachi School of Arts also participated in the exhibition with their ‘khaddis’ to display an amalgamation of modern and traditional weaving skills, creating hybrid novelties of patterns and designs.
“Weaving is not only a craft but a mystic tradition associated with Sufis, who used weaving as a meditation practice, as it consisted in transferring cotton and wool into cloth that provided comfort and cover to mankind against heat and cold,” said Executive Director Lok Virsa, Mazhar-ul-Islam.
The world’s earliest known woven cotton cloth was found at 5000 year old Moenjodaro site in Sindh where cotton cultivation is still a major farming practice. Hand woven fabrics became the leading industry and export in the Mughal period while the craft suffered immensely during the British rule, as the Colonials wanted their machine made textiles to replace the indigenous handloom product.
The revival of small and cottage textile industries, as an integral part of the economy of Pakistan began after partition and now it has become a craft of Pakistan, which is respected all over the world.
From fabrics of all kinds to carpets, rugs and curtains the weavers in all towns of the country are producing the typical product of their age old tradition in the shape of ‘khes,’ ‘darrees,’ ‘lungis’, ‘khaddar,’ ‘banarsi’ silk, cotton and woven cloth of all descriptions, stylish floor rugs and carpets. Old methods of production following ancient traditions passed on from generation to generation are still alive in the work and skills of the handloom craftsmen.
The on the spot demonstration of ‘Khaddi’ grasped the attention of majority of visitors especially students who not only appreciated the craftsmanship of the artisans, but also the excellent colour sense and creative designs of the artisans who although did not have any formal education yet have an inborn capability to produce a masterpiece.
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ISSN 1563-9479 
