Itanagar, Nov 13: A National Workshop on “Indigenous Knowledge System of Weaving and Intertribal Exchange” was held at a city hotel here in collaboration with RLS and the Centre for Women's Development Studies (CWDS). Organised by Jarjum Gamlin Ete and coordinated by Geyir Potom. It brought together 15 weavers from different districts of Arunachal Pradesh, alongside scholars, designers, entrepreneurs and government representatives.
Ete, emphasised that weaving is not merely a livelihood but an expression of indigenous identity, history and ancestral knowledge. She called for recognition of women weavers as artists and custodians who have preserved and transmitted this heritage across generations, while stressing the importance of intertribal exchange.
Dr. Tadu Rimi highlighted the cultural and artistic significance of weaving and the need to document traditional knowledge. Professor Neetha, representing CWDS, stressed the importance of recognising and documenting women's contributions.
Government representatives Neeraj Kumar (NESHDC), Lovelyn Pertin (Department of Handloom and Textiles), and Minu Gamlin (NEDFi) shared perspectives on institutional support and livelihood opportunities.
Weavers highlighted challenges relating to raw materials, marketing, fair pricing and complicated bank loan procedures that restrict access to financial assistance. Discussions also explored market opportunities, skill development and sustaining traditional weaving among younger generations.
The workshop reaffirmed that indigenous women weavers are not merely textile producers but artists, knowledge holders and custodians of living cultural heritage whose invaluable contributions deserve recognition and institutional support.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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