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I
t is intriguing to know how much a single
textile tradition can convey of a land and
its people. One such textile is the beautiful
Sambalpuri Ikat that is a work of art and
speaks of the history and cultural heritage of
Odisha. Sambalpuri Ikat takes its name from
the district of Sambalpur that is marked by a
predominance of Ikat weavers.
The Sambalpuri Ikat is typically a single-Ikat
fabric that is hand-woven with warp or weft
yarns that have been tie-dyed. There are some
sarees such as
Pasapali
or checkerboard pattern
that are double-Ikat, meaning they are woven
with tie-dyed weft as well as warp yarns. The
beauty of the Sambalpuri saree is its long
pallav
bearing motifs drawn from mythology,
A symbol of Odisha and Odiya
art and culture, Sambalpuri Ikat
has enjoyed fame and fortune but
creating this hand-woven textile
comes with its own set
of challeneges.
Surendra Meher
As translated by Seema Mishra
Paramparik Karigar | Sambalpuri Ikat
Holding History
in its Folds
