Earth Bound

This shawl from is perfect for the cooler summer evenings. The intricate designs were handcrafted by the Mishing tribe in north east India.

“Crafted with care and love, this exquisite art hails from Majuli, the heart of North-East India. It brings to you the rich of the Mishing tribe and their hundreds of years old folk tradition. Owning this indigenous art you are offering a better living for the artisans and helping them in hard times during flood. All products are handmade with 100% natural fibre of peace silk, cotton, wool, or a combination of these based on the product. This product provides employment to the distaff weaving clusters of Assam, India.” .bordoloi

Marina Lazaro is shown here giving a demonstration of the plants they use to make their , which are mostly grown in their . She demonstrated the digging and dying of roots, bark, and leaves used to create an array of vibrant colors. They spin and weave the threads to create a variety of products. In the past, these techniques were used to make blankets, hammocks, and clothing including a dress she is modeling in the photo.

Although the techniques have been passed down from mother to daughter for centuries, they are now taught to children in school. The Boruca principals, including Marina and her family, have worked hard to recover and revitalize their culture after years of Spanish dominance. While it isn’t possible to visit the village today due to COVID19, you can visit their website https://www.borucacostarica.org/ to learn more about their history.