HAND SPINNING & WEAVING
Kutch weaving & spinning with Master Shamji Vankar
Bhujodi is home to the illustrious Shamji Vankar Vishram Valji who carries on the legacy of his father, Vankar Vishram Valji who was felicitated with the National Award in 1974 for his exemplary work in Dhabla weaving. Shamji bhai who is himself an innovative weaver and an early adopter of kala cotton, oversees Vankar Vishram Valji Weaving, a multigenerational craft initiative for weaving and dyeing of fabrics, shawls and stoles furnishings and durrie (rugs) in cotton and desi oon (indigenous wool) that employs around 90 families.
Shamji Bhai will be teaching a workshop in traditional bhujodi spinning and weaving, something truly magical and meditative that Mahatma Gandhi had all Indian freedom fighters adopt as part of their daily pratice.
Materials will be provided by the tutor.
Specially made portable wooden charkhas for sale at the workshop.
Duration: 4 hours
Cost per person: 150 €
Maximum 15
About the tutor
Shamji Vankar Vishram Valji is part of a legacy of handloom weavers from the village of Bhujodi in Gujarat, India. He was trained by his father and elder brothers. As a weaver, his textiles are recognized for their interpretative style that combines traditional motifs with contemporary design woven in fine cotton, silk and wool yarns including desi wool. He experiments with colour, texture, design and high skilled techniques. His specialties range from woolen shawls, stoles, carpets to traditional blankets. Shamji became a master dyer using his own dyeing vats. His expertise grew with his ability and now the family has more than 12 vats at their atelier. He shares his knowledge with local weavers, design students and designers visiting his village. His efforts provided direction and inspiration to young artisans who see a world of possibilities by carring forward their family occupation with pride. He has served at trainer to various young designers from design institutions like NID (National Institute of Design), NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology).In 1971, his family received a National Award of the weavers’ community of Kutch followed by awards and recognitions in 1999, 2005 and 2012. His atelier has 50 artisans, 30 embroiders and 2 tailors.
@vankar.vishramvalji
