Carpet Weaving Patterns Of Sikkim

The vertical frame loom with a back strap used by the lepcha women is indigenous in sikkim.

Carpet weaving patterns of sikkim.

Geometrical patterns are created using knots of different colour. Nearly all types of weaves can be woven in the loin loom. Their weaving techniques are being extended to dhurrie weaving and woollen dhurrie weaving. Besides regular carpets the bhutia women also weave small bedside rugs called asans to sit on.

The process therefore starts from winding the yarn into balls. The weave frame is made from bamboo or various types of wood which is available. The women of the bhutia community of sikkim practice what is perhaps the oldest form of carpet weaving in the world where they traditionally weave hand knotted woollen carpets with tibetan designs on upright wooden frame loom. The weaving starts from a basic cotton warp which serves as the skeleton.

Like other oriental carpets sikkimese carpets are also hand knotted and woven in fixed vertical looms which are kept standing with the support of a wall. Besides regular carpets the bhutia women also weave small bedside carpets and squares called asans to sit on. Carpet designs are normally of mythical birds flowers like the lotus snowlions eight buddhist lucky signs etc carpets of different sizes for covering walls chairs sofas beds or diwans are made and marketed through the sikkim handloom and handicrafts development corporation the time taken in making these carpets varies according to the size. Vegetable and natural dyes are still used to obtain the right colours.

But these days wool is bought directly from the market to be used for weaving. Besides carpet is very important export oriented handicraft industry in sikkim. The carpets are of with various exquisite and intricate designs motifs and colours which are typical of sikkimese type and made of various sizes. Originally the process starts preparation of wool involving carding dyeing and balling.