Introduction
An artisan is a creator at heart pouring their life experience into a handcrafted piece. Art is a reflection of the creator's state of mind, and the amount of effort they put into it determines its value.
Grass is a common raw material used in Indian crafts, which has carved its functional and aesthetic identity, despite its humble appearance. Sikki weaving is one such grass-based, craft form practised by the women of UP and Bihar. It has survived the tides of time due to the efforts of master artisans and the community they have created.
This is an attempt to credit these talented artisans who have kept this art alive and inform you about what goes behind a typical Sikki woven artifact or accessory.
Our Journey
Our journey to explore this age-old craft form (Sikki weaving) took us to the neighbouring villages of Prayagraj, UP and the outskirts of Jamna Nagar, Bihar.
A chance meeting with a national awardee, Nazda Ji, ended our much-needed search for a master artisan. Her commitment to excellence and pushing the limits of her own craftsmanship is what true remarkability is made of.
For the last 40 years or so, Nazda Ji has been weaving stories through her art, practising Sikki and Moonj weaving and training her daughters and other village women to do the same. It's a common sight in her village to see groups of women gathering in courtyards, after finishing their daily chores, to weave baskets and other artifacts that they then sell in neighbouring towns and popular fairs like Surajkund Mela.
At our behest, she was excited to work with Swarang and experiment with contemporary designs to give a new meaning to this traditional art form. While designing this collection, we brainstormed together and came up with shapes that have never been used in Sikki before (starfish, heart-shaped brooches etc) giving a new twist to the old.
Artisans like Nazda Ji (Swarang’s master artisan and national awardee Sikki artist) have been practising this art form for generations now but unfortunately, these sustainable and local creations are finding a hard time penetrating the Indian and global markets at a fair price. Reasons are plenty - fast fashion, ease of manufacturing, overflowing of the market with cheaper options like plastic and metal.
But with more and more people waking up to sustainability and realizing the value in longevity, fine craftsmanship and tradition, Sikki artisans have found a new ray of hope in technology, online marketplaces and designer collaborations.
The Art Of Weaving Grass
The art of making containers, baskets etc. from Sikki and Moonj grass is an age-old skill practised in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India. The Sikki grass grows in the wild in the Eastern region of UP and Bihar. This grass is torn off from its stalk, dried, coloured and then formed into coils or braids to make baskets and other products. This technique is also called coiling.
Moonj grass, primarily used in Uttar Pradesh is a sturdier type and used to make the base of a basket, while Sikki is a finer type of grass that is used to create the body and the intricate designs on the item.
In the old days, Sikki woven items were functional rather than aesthetic. The Sikki basket was used to carry water and other items while on a family outing. It was also used for storing grain in the granary.
Significance For The Community
Sikki weaving craft is a fine example of how handicrafts have traditionally been linked to social events, festivals and rituals that bring a community together. Sikki artifacts used to form an important part of a girl’s wedding trousseau. From storing her clothes and jewellery to essential food items for the new household, Sikki artwork has a strong emotional value for the indigenous people of these regions.
The Future Of Sikki Weaving
Contemporary designers are using the Sikki craft in innovative ways to make utility crafts that add beauty and character to homes and even closets while providing an income opportunity for rural artisans. Not just that, artisans are experimenting with creating coasters, lamp shades, and file folders from the golden grass.
The ardent need for eco-friendly raw materials amidst the current climate crisis is setting the stage for the comeback of Sikki weaving. These items are also finding a place in the global markets owing to the vast Indian diaspora present across the world.
At Swarang, we were inspired by the perseverance of artisans like Nazda Ji, the vivacious laughter of her group of women and their hope of creating empowerment for themselves by making things that add joy to homes across the world.
We don't mass produce. We don't follow standardized protocols of production for cost-cutting and mass manufacturing. But what we are made of is the impeccable craftsmanship, resilience and imagination of the artisans who work with us. Not to mention the gracious clients who buy from us and who support us by spreading the kind word.
Our philosophy is slow, sustainable and handmade fashion.
In creating our latest collection - Once Upon A Time- we've tried our best to recreate the love and creative playfulness of this art into everyday wearable pieces.
From belts to brooches and pretty little handbags, get ready to be delighted.
Our hope is that, if you’re looking to spread cheer, you’ll consider this as your next purchase. And if you choose to get a piece, we’re confident you’ll find it to be beautiful, both inside and out.
If you have any queries or feedback about the article or our pieces, please feel free to get in touch with us.
