International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Plant Species used for Dyeing Eri-Silk and their Conservation by the Bhoi Women of Meghalaya, India
Abstract
Natural dyes are coloured substances derived mainly from plant sources like fruits, leaves, bark, roots, fungi and lichens. Eri-culture and traditional handloom weaving is a popular practice amongst the women of the Bhoi sub-tribe of Meghalaya. The uniqueness of the eri-silk produced by this community is that it is organic. The locally produced silk thread known as ‘Ksai Ryndia’is creamy white and needs dyeing to give its colour. The objective of the study is to document the plant species used by the women weavers of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya for dyeing Eri-silk. Twenty six plant species have been reported to be used by the Bhoi women weavers for dyeing the eri-silk thread. These plants are mainly used for the preparation of dyes and as mordant. Different plant parts like leaves, bark, fruits, stem and even the peels are used for extracting different colours. The women folk have taken initiatives to conserve the wild plant species used for dyeing by domesticating them in their home gardens. This reflects the rich knowledge the community has on the use of natural dyes and their environmental consciousness as these are safe and eco-friendly.
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References
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