Handloom and Textile Weaving
Assam State is famous for its silk handloom like Muga, Eri, Endi, Pala etc.The most prominent and prestigious being Muga which is a golden silk found exclusively in this state. Muga silk is much more durable than the normal one. Muga is produced from cocoons of 'Antheraea Assamensis' which is available only in Assam. This silk grows shinier with each wash. This silk was used together with zari to weave fabrics for the royal families. Nowadays the zari is replaced by the multicoloured cotton threads. The designs are woven into these fabrics are drawn from the flora of Assam and are the symbols of the different tribes and ethnic groups of the area.
Apart from Muga there is Eri and Pat or Endi which is the latter being used in manufacture of warm clothes for the winter. The silk which is commonly found in Assam is non-Mulberry silk. Pat is a Mulberry silk and is found in small quantities. Endi is yellowish in colour and is found in rough and smooth varieties which derives from the castor leaves on which the worms feeds which is woven into shawls and clothing for the winter garments.
The main dress of the women here is 'Lungi' which is popularly known as 'Mekhla'. The Mekhla is usually plain but sometimes it has motifs all over the body and sometimes it has elaborate designed ends. The other part is the chadder which goes over the shoulder and the Riha which is tied to the waist area. The motifs are usually flowers, leaves, birds, animals, and geometrical designs. One of the special things in this region is the bamboo weft designs, which is eight in number and are used as variations in the weaving patterns.