WEAVING TRADITIONS AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AMONG THE KABUI (RONGMEI) TRIBE

PSYCHOLOGY

The present study explores the role of women in the traditional weaving among the Kabui (Rongmei) tribe in Manipur. Women empowerment through traditional weaving of clothes was also studied through the lens of Autoethnography. Twenty Kabui (Rongmei) weavers between the age group of 20 to 40 years were interviewed using semi-structured interview in the local Kabui (Rongmei) dialect. Thematic Analysis (TA) was used to analyze the data which was transcribed from Kabui (Rongmei) dialect to English. The outcome of the study alludes that weaving traditional clothes were primarily engaged by women using traditional method of weaving i.e., loin loom or back strap loom. The traditional motifs and designs identifying the Kabui (Rongmei) tribe were still used by the weavers. It was also observed that some contemporary designs were integrated in the traditional clothes and other accessories to reflect modernity and aesthetic looks. Search for alternative jobs and source of income were mostly reported by the weavers. Financial independence, self-reliance, sustainability and upliftment of women in the society were also reflected as reasons for the active participations of women in weaving traditional clothes and accessories. Women empowerment through skill development and sharing of traditional knowledge as well as creative ideas for promotion and preservation of traditional clothes and Kabui (Rongmei) identity were also highlighted by the weavers.

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