Our Artisans
Assam's handloom industry is one of the oldest in the country. Because of its beautiful textures and motifs, it is well known throughout the world. Weaving is a traditional Assamese craft which women dominate and engage in not only as a form of recreation but also as a means of revenue in order to have a sustainable lifestyle. Assam Handloom represents the inclusion and diversity of the state, as well as the impeccable craftsmanship of the weavers, and is a valuable part of the generational heritage.
Weaving is a form of expression, therapeutic for the soul. It is often believed that the weaver's personality seeps into their creation. Assamese traditional handloom items are embroidered with images of birds, animals, and flowers. Every saree owned is a weave beyond the thread and texture, pattern and color, It is the soul one drapes to adorn themselves. Drape the evocative sereki Mekhala Sador, the richness of these exquisite artwork requires 400 man-hours of weaving to elevate the wearer's charm.
Nareshwar
Nareshwar, aka Apa, a native of Nalbari, Assam takes pride in crafting exquisite handwoven heritage Muga Silk sarees at Sereki for 26 years. The Nalbari district of Assam is famous for its cotton sarees. Due to financial difficulties, he was sent away from home at an early age to work and support his family. He dreams of having his own business someday.
"Northeast India is magnanimous. I love my job at Sereki. It's given me a livelihood, a safe space to learn, grow, and horn, a skill that requires patience and pure dedication." says Nareshwar.
Nileema
Nilima learned to weave in Xualkuchi at the Textile Centre of Assam. A native from Pathshala in the Baksa district of Assam, she is weaving a Dokhona, the traditional handwoven attire for Boro women that are part of the largest ethnolinguistic group of Assam.
"Rural weavers of northeast India make a nurturing community. It's been almost 3 years at Sereki. I feel the same love that I experience when I am back home," says Nilima.
Xeuti
Xeuti learned the intricacies of crafting bespoke handwoven Paat and Muga Silk sarees under her husband's mentorship, Nareshwar at Sereki.
"Becoming economically independent has changed my life. I am a proud Indian weaver, and I love my job. My job at Sereki instilled confidence in me. I used to be a Bihu dancer. Working at Sereki makes me happy. It soothes my soul, just like my passion for artwork and creativity," says Xeuti.
Suman
Suman has been with sereki for the past 5 years, and as the youngest weaver his love for weaving is inspiring.
“Life has given me an opportunity to patiently learn a skill that has helped me earn a livelihood and support my family. Weaving for Sereki has given me peace, which I value over everything else." says Suman.
Maaju
Maaju’s exquisite craftsmanship is invaluable for us, it lends an authentic character and luster to the traditional handwoven textiles of Northeast India.
“Learning to weave at Sereki has given me wings. My job as an Indian weaver is my labour of love to the world. Thank you, Sereki, for sustaining, supporting, and showcasing the craftsmanship of the heritage handloom weaves from Northeast India,"
"Each piece of handloom that I have crafted at Sereki over the past 7 years has been just pure love. Handweaving takes immense patience to learn. I am proud to have honed the intricate craft of weaving heritage handloom textiles of Northeast India that are prized the world over," says Maaju.