WEAVING HERITAGE: THE COMMERCIALISATION AND CONSERVATION OF BODO TEXTILE

Abstract

Bodo are the earliest inhabitants of the Brahmaputra valley who have migrated from Tibet to the regions of north-eastern India in the foothills of the Himalayas. Textiles and weaving have a crucial role in the cultural fabric of the Bodo community, being an indispensable component of their cultural history. The hand-woven textile possesses inherent importance as a manifestation of cultural practices, as well as the traditional wisdom and values that are embedded in it. The Bodo textile was originally produced solely for personal consumption, but over time it evolved into a source of economic sustenance. The widespread availability of handloom products has received much acknowledgment, and the process of commercialisation has resulted in the creation of job prospects within the textile industry. However, the traditional handloom of the Bodo has undergone significant transformations, resulting in the emergence of cultural commodities. The method of creation of handwoven textiles is a concrete expression of their intangible heritage, hence highlighting the need for its preservation. The present work is grounded on cultural observation and attempts to examine the complex interplay between the preservation and commodification of Bodo's textile cultural heritage, providing insights into the deep importance of their weaving history.