Hands That Weave Stories - Meet the Artisans

 

            

We work hand in hand with weavers, NGOs, and master artisans and their families across India. Our goal is to preserve their craft, honour their skills, and ensure their work is valued. When you choose La-ra’s, you empower makers and sustain traditions.

The Master Weavers of Kutch, Gujarat

In the small village of Bhujodi, weaving is a way of life. The Rabari community, once nomadic herders, relied on Kutch weavers to create warm, handwoven woollen blankets. Today, the craft has evolved, but the families who have been weaving for centuries still carry their heritage in every warp and weft. One such artisan, Pachan Bhai and his brothers, learned the craft from their grandfather, who wove for royal households. Now, their children continuing the tradition, keeping the legacy alive.

 

The Block Printers of Rajasthan

Step into the courtyards of Sanganer, where the steady rhythm of wooden blocks meeting fabric has echoed for generations. The artisans we work with learned this craft from their fathers and grandfathers, their hands moving with a skill honed over decades. Each block is hand-carved, dipped in natural dyes, and pressed onto soft cotton—every print carrying the tiny, beautiful variations that make it one of a kind. Even as digital printing grows, they remain committed to their heritage, ensuring the next generation keeps this art alive.

 

The Women Weavers of Nagaland

Tucked away in the hills of Nagaland, weaving is a sacred tradition passed from mother to daughter. Toshila, a master weaver, remembers watching her grandmother weave shawls that signified status and identity in Naga culture. Today, she weaves on a traditional loin loom, creating intricate patterns that tell stories of bravery, love, and community. For her, each fabric is more than cloth—it’s a living tradition.

The Masters of Jamdani Weaving

In the weaving villages of Bengal, the art of Jamdani has been passed down for generations. The artisans we collaborate with learn from their fathers and grandfathers, working on handlooms that have been in their families for over a century. This intricate technique takes months to complete a single fabric, with each motif meticulously woven by hand. Recognized by UNESCO, Jamdani is a rare and treasured craft, and these artisans remain deeply committed to preserving its legacy for future generations.

Keeping Traditions Alive

By choosing La-ra’s, you’re not just buying a product—you’re becoming part of these artisans’ stories. Your support ensures fair wages, sustainable livelihoods, and the continuation of centuries-old crafts.

It’s heritage, craftsmanship, and a connection to the hands that make it.