SAMBALPURI IKAT
The Sambalpuri Ikat, traditionally woven in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, is typically a
single-Ikat textile featuring a panel of figural and other motifs set in a composition. Given the nature of
the technique of single-Ikat – that involves resist-tying and then dyeing yarns according to the motifs and
composition to be obtained when these yarns are woven on the loom – the skills required for weaving the
textile are most admirable.
Sambalpuri Ikat textiles and sarees feature motifs inspired by mythology, beliefs, temples, nature and life in
the region. Some patterns such as the checkerboard pattern are created in the double-Ikat technique that
is they are woven with resist-dyed weft and warp yarns! A saree by a master weaver may bear a border of
several narrow bands with small woven motifs in each band, a field with small motifs, and a broad
pallav
or
end-panel with an intricate composition with figural motifs. The textile featured above has been created
by
Dayalu Meher.
With Best Compliments
