Rs. 930.00
Leshemi Origins X ARTISANS'
Thebvo means "stinging nettle" in the language of the Chakhesang Khuzhami tribe, who inhabit a remote Naga village located in the mountains of Northeast India. This design is hand spun and hand woven by indigenous women of the Chakhesang tribe, and is based on the traditional Thebvora shawl, which is made of stinging nettle. Nettle is a sturdy and waterproof utilitarian cloth, perfect for a coaster.
The minimal black stripe is a key design element, unique to the Leshemi identity, and is retained in this adaptation. The natural black dye is a completely local recipe: the cotton yarn is mordanted in tannin-rich bark (locally sourced from the wild hazelnut, walnut and oak trees) which is then soaked in iron-rich paddy field clay. The spinning and weaving of stinging nettle is increasingly rare. Stinging nettle is foraged from the wild once a year, in early winter. In a long and laborious process, strips of nettle bast fibre (stripped off the stalks), are retted, dried, thigh-reeled into twine, and hand-spun using a drop spindle. The yarn is then soaked in a coarse local rice broth, which naturally bleaches and softens the fiber. It is repeatedly soaked and sun-dried until the desired tone is attained. It is woven on backstrap looms. The flexibility of the portable loom enables women to work from their own home. This fiber-to-fabric journey is entirely local and self-sustaining (although the cotton yarn, once local, is now sourced).
Please note that the natural colors of nettle textiles are unique and may vary a bit from item to item. Wash nettle fabrics by hand in cold water, using ecological laundry products. Nettle softens with washing.
Hand spun and locally foraged stinging nettle (urtica dioica), unbleached cotton, natural dyed black cotton
5in x 5in
13cm x 13cm
ZHME-SELV-21-2
Please note that the natural colors of nettle textiles are unique and may vary a bit from item to item. Wash nettle fabrics by hand in cold water, using ecological laundry products. Nettle softens with washing.
All our products are meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. Due to this process, there may be a variation from one item to the next. Such variations are inherent in the manufacturing of handmade products, so you may expect minor distinctions that will make your purchase special and truly one of a kind.
Please note that this item is handmade to order. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Dispatched within 5 working days of receiving your order. No refunds or returns.