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A Kani shawl is a type of Kashmir shawl originating from the Kanihama area of the Kashmir valley.[1] It is one of the oldest handicraft of Kashmir. This craft has been a part of the valley since the time of Mughals. The shawls are woven from pashmina yarn.[2] The government of Jammu and Kashmir has granted a geographical indication to the Kani shawl, making it illegal to sell shawls made outside of the Kanihama area as Kani shawls.[1]
History
editKani weaving is believed to be an art indigenous to Kanihama and traced back to 3000 BC.[3] This exquisite shawl was once coveted by Mughal Kings, Sikh Maharajas and British Aristocrats. The Ain-i-Akbari records that Emperor Akbar was an avid collector of Kani shawls.
While the name 'Kani' comes from the area where this particular artisans come from, Kanihama, the word 'Kani' - in Kashmiri - also means a small wooden oblong spool.
Preparation
editKani Shawls are made from pashmina on a handloom. Instead of a shuttle used in regular pashmina shawls, Kani Shawls use needles made from cane[4] or wood.[5] The kanis, or small wooden sticks, are used to create the intricate designs of the shawl. Each kani represents one knot in the weave, and the weaver must follow a graph paper design closely to ensure that the design is accurately replicated.[6]
Only trained craftsmen are knowledgeable enough to weave Kani Shawls properly. The techniques and knowledge have been transferred from forefathers to next generations. It is estimated that of the 10,000-odd kani weavers, only 2,000 are left today.[7] An artisan skilled in carpet weaving can easily make a Kani shawl because both crafts involve using color coding, known as "Talim," to guide the weaving process. While there are some differences in techniques and tools, the fundamental principle of following the color-coded Talim remains the same. However, Kani shawl making is a specialized art form with unique intricacies and challenges, and skilled artisans in this craft produce the most exquisite and authentic Kani shawls, preserving its traditional heritage.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Kashmir's famous Kani shawls get GI status". The Hindu. 22 March 2010. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Vasudev, Shefalee (21 July 2015). "Looms of the valley". Mint. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
- ^ Beigh, Aamir (2018-05-15). "Process Of Making A Kani Shawl | Pure Kashmir". Medium. Retrieved 2019-10-02.
- ^ "Kani Pashmina Shawls". purekashmir.com. Retrieved 2019-10-02.
- ^ Pashmina.com (2018-05-28). "What is a Kani Shawl & Kani Pashmina Shawl Price & How it is made?". Pashmina Editorial. Retrieved 2019-10-02.
- ^ "What exactly is the Kani Shawl?". Shahkaar. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
- ^ Vasudev, Shefalee (2014-04-12). "The other side of pashmina". Mint. Retrieved 2019-10-02.
- ^ "color coding concept". Kepra. Retrieved 2023-07-30.