FARSI WEAVING THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE FARASI WEAVERS

Abstract

Farasi weaving from animal wool is a traditional craft in the southern part of Sindh surviving from decades. This craft is being practiced in District Badin only. Quite a few families are involved in this business at scattered locations. Unfortunately this craft having potential of business has never been encouraged and promoted to that level. The people who are involved in the craft have learned the techniques and skills from their forefathers. It has been observed in this study that the skills could not have survived had the families not been involved in the business. This study is based on the field survey of the Bagheli  the only village for the craft, interviewing 18 people. This is a small village in district Badin, about 20 Km south of district head quarter and 140 Km from in the east of Karachi. Personally administrating questionnaires in 10 people directly involved in the craft. People of 18-61 age group were involved in this whole business. The process of Farasi from taking the animal hair to finishing the product was also recorded by using the cameras. Since this craft is not found in any other part of the Sindh province.

However, this study is the representative of the population involved in the business.

This study comprehends the Farasi weaving methods, techniques, including the description, photographs of all the equipments involved and the complete process from inception to completion, a piece ready for market