30 March,2014 10:30 AM IST | | Moeena Halim
Get yourself the true tribal deal through e-commerce portal Tribalhandycrafts.com, which showcases the handiworks of Meghalayan and Assamese tribes
Tribalhandycrafts.com stocks a wide range of bags, stoles and shawls to choose from. These are designed by men and women of Assamu00c3u00a2u00c2u0080u00c2u0099s Karbi tribe and Meghalayau00c3u00a2u00c2u0080u00c2u0099s Hajong tribe
The tribal look has been in vogue for over a year now, and the trend isn't going away yet. While Indian designers continue to seek inspiration from tribes across the globe this season as well, street stalls are lined with everything from scarves to sandals adorned with geometrical Aztec prints.
Tribalhandycrafts.com stocks a wide range of bags, stoles and shawls to choose from. These are designed by men and women of Assam's Karbi tribe and Meghalaya's Hajong tribe
Heading North East
But this trend isn't what Mritunjay Burman had on his mind when he and his partners recently launched the e-commerce portal, Tribalhandycrafts.com. "We wanted to do something to save the dying tribal arts. When I visited my village in Meghalaya recently, I realised that people had given up weaving altogether because it is no longer a viable source of income. I had to travel to another village just to buy a traditional handmade shawl or towel," says Burman, a Bangalore-based filmmaker.
Straight from the weaver
One of the reasons behind tribal handicraftsmen abandoning the art are the more economically priced machine-made goods that have stormed the local markets. "A web portal, we felt, would provide the weavers a great platform to showcase their wares," explains Burman. At the same time, consumers from across the globe can get access to artisans from the Assamese Karbi tribes, known for their shawls, bags and jackets, as well as Meghalaya's stunning sarong-making Hajong tribes.
Haute and handmade
Burman hopes to showcase the work of other tribes from across Northeast India too. While the products available on the website currently stick to traditional designs, eventually he wants to get the craftsmen to dabble with slightly different, more modern designs. "Once the website takes off, I will get in touch with designers who could work with the craftsmen to give the products a trendier edge," reveals Burman.
