A traditional art form of weaving and dyeing fiber from India is coming to Singapore in the form of a special demonstration.
This historical fiber art is especially celebrated in saris, particularly because famous Indian women including a former prime minister prefer to wear them. They are also highlights within a folkloric tradition in India. The process itself is nearly 800 years old, and the knowledge to complete the weaving and dyeing is passed on via families.
The process involves making and dyeing by hand a length of exquisite silk fabric. The process itself can take several months, and involves the labor of up to eight people at a time. In general, what makes the end result so special is the unique weaving that takes raw silk and transforms it into fine silk — the kind that one might find in an expensive shirt hanging in a department store. But the dyeing process, which includes patterns and colors specific to the tradition, mark this as a fiber art specific to Indian culture.
This intensive and laborious process has seen a decline in demand, but recent attention and the advent of social media have given the process a much-needed boost. Experts and practitioners of the art have said that exposure like that — including demonstrations like the one that is scheduled to be held in Singapore — is key to making sure this beautiful fiber art persists. Now, people can even buy the traditional fabric art online, opening up a window to the world for the centuries-old practice. The most visible practitioners of this fiber art tradition even have a presence on Facebook to spread awareness and understanding of the practice.
The demonstration of the weaving and dyeing process in Singapore is part of a larger initiative to highlight traditional cultural practices from India in Singapore. Singapore is home to many Indians, and one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the nation is Little India. A recently featured art practice was calligraphy from India that was demonstrated in Singapore as a way to embrace Indian heritage and history in the nation.
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For more information on the Indian art form, go to https://www.connectedtoindia.com/master-patan-patola-craftsman-kanubhai-salvi-to-bring-traditional-art-to-singapores-shores-4414.html.