Gekong-Galong–Traditional weaving technology of Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

The women living in remote areas and dependent on traditional resources have developed appreciating knowledge and skill in weaving and making crafts for their subsistence livelihood in mountain ecosystems. In modernization and rapid acculturation process, this culturally important heritage of women is at risk and eroding. Varieties of culturally and traditionally important dresses are weaved by Adi women. Women are competent in selecting diverse plant biodiversity used in making entire set of gekong-galong (handloom), which requires years of experience. The culture, belief and spiritual aspects are intrinsically attached with weaving technology. Various sources are utilized in making and using thread for weaving like silkworm, indigenous cotton varieties and mechanically made thread available in market. In remote social system, women use local bioresources in preparing the dye and colours. Weaving is one of the major traditional sources of income and livelihood, but younger generation does not show considerable interest in learning and continuing such culturally important practices. A mission mode integrated effort would be required to conserve women wisdom of weaving and making this profession economically viable through value addition, entrepreneurship development, chaining market and economic empowerment. In the paper, traditional weaving and related knowledge systems of purposively selected villages of Padam, Pasi and Minyong subtribes of Adi community Arunachal Pradesh are discussed.