Behind the tall, snowy Himalayan Mountains, Kashmir’s looms echo heritage craftsmanship, which has been passed down for ages. In the rich cultural history of the valley, Kashmiri Kani shawls stand out as an actual work of art. It is not just a fancy piece of clothing; it is a piece of history cherished by people all over the world. Each design on a Kani shawl tells a story, connecting us to the past with the traditional weaving technique and master artistry.
In this blog post, we will share all about the Kani shawl, including its origin, weaving techniques, and why it is an integral part of India’s rich cultural history. So, read on to explore the world of Kani weaving!
What is Kashmiri Kani Shawl?
Pure Kani shawls are an integral part of Kashmiri textile artistry and one of the bestsellers among woollen shawls for winter. The origin of Kashmiri Kani shawls traces back to the picturesque village of Kanihama, nestled in the valley. The name Kanihama comes from two words: Kani, which signifies wooden sticks, and Hama, which translates to village. Skilled artisans use small wooden sticks called Kani, which serve as a sort of hand-operated Jacquard mechanism, allowing artisans to weave vibrant weft threads into the fabric and form intricate designs. Forest wood, known as poos tul, is usually used to make these wooden spools or sticks.
The weavers follow a specific design, referring to a coded pattern or set of instructions called Talim. This Talim serves as a guiding blueprint that directs the weavers as they bring intricate Kashmiri embroidery designs and motifs to life. The result is not just a mere piece of clothing but a masterpiece, representing the rich heritage and tradition of Kashmiri craftsmanship.
If you want to know more about Kashmiri shawls and their cultural legacy, read our previous blog post: A Journey Through the Timeless Artistry of Kashmiri shawls
What is the Kanihama Shawl Made of?
In order to weave a Kanihama shawl, commonly known as Kani shawls, weavers use a variety of materials to achieve their distinctive quality. Originally, the primary base material for Kani shawls was Pashmina wool, sourced from the soft undercoat of the Ladakhi Changthangi goats. Pashmina is renowned for its exceptional warmth, lightness, and luxurious feel.
However, due to the limited production of Pashmina, weavers now also use a variety of premium wool blends to weave Kashmiri Kani shawls.
A Glimpse into History
As historians suggest, the weaving tradition of Kani shawls has Persian roots. Although initially monopolized by the Kanihama village, the art of crafting Kani shawls gradually spread to the neighbouring villages as artisans acquired the intricate skills involved in making Kashmiri shawls.
The Mughal era, particularly under the reign of Zain ul Abideen, witnessed the bloom of Kani weaving when over 15,000 Kani looms were functional in the valley. This era marked the most celebrated time for Kani craftsmanship, eventually turning this weaving technique into a revered art form.
However, after a few years, this weaving technique went through several challenges and found it hard to stand the test of time. When the art of Kashmiri Kani shawl weaving stood on the edge of extinction, it was revived by the unwavering resilience of the Wani family of Kanihama. Since the late 1700s, this family has ardently safeguarded Kani weaving and played a pivotal role in preserving this heritage art form. Their dedication stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kani shawls.
Discover More: 6 Trending Kashmiri Shawls Every Women Should Own
The Process of Crafting a Kashmiri Kani Shawl
Traditionally, Kani shawls are crafted by following a long and labour-induced process, which is as follows:
Obtaining Fabric
First, the delicate sheep or goat undercoat is separated and cleansed. Then, this hair is hand-spun using Charkhas to create exquisite wool yarns. These yarns are then dyed to add the desired colours required for the shawls.
Creating Designs
Once the yarn is ready, the weaving process for Kashmiri Kani shawls begins. Instead of a shuttle, artisans use cane or wooden needles for weaving. The designer, commonly known as Naqash or Talimguru, plays a pivotal role in shaping the shawl's pattern. Usually, weavers draw inspiration from nature to create intricate patterns and designs reminiscent of the floral and leaf motifs found on carpets.
Initially, the Naqash creates a Kani design on graph paper, known as Talim. This Talim comprises a set of symbols representing specific numbers of warp ends and another set indicating the various colours over which the Kani sticks must go over.
Weaving Shawl
Weavers insert needles with different colours of yarn at various points of the thread spread following the Talim. Colourful threads, called wefts, are intricately inserted into a backdrop of warp threads using bobbins. To introduce a new hue to the design, weavers combine two bobbins, and this technique continues until they complete a Kani shawl. At times, the weavers may employ a remarkable 75 to 100 bobbins simultaneously to craft a complex, intricate design.
How Long Does It Take to Weave a Kashmiri Kani Shawl?
The artistry involved in Kani weaving necessitates special training and knowledge, setting it apart from other weaving techniques. Crafting a Kani shawl requires immense patience, with artisans spending 5 to 7 hours daily, over approximately 6 to 18 months to complete a pure Kashmiri Kani shawl. Depending on the design's complexity, a weaver may produce a maximum of one inch in a day, reflecting the meticulous nature of Kani weaving. The traditions and techniques of crafting Kani shawls are passed down through generations, preserving this time-consuming and intricate art form among skilled artisans.
Where Can You Find Kani Shawls?
If you are looking for Kashmiri Kani shawls, there are several online and offline stores you can explore. However, it is quite difficult to find authentic Kani shawl designs. For intricate design and craftsmanship, visit Pashmal’s online store. At Pashmal, we invite you to explore a specially curated collection of Kashmiri Kani shawls that represent India’s age-old traditional art forms. Each piece of our Kani shawls narrates history, and with us, you become a part of that narrative. Make a statement with a Kani shawl from Pashmal and celebrate the elegance and heritage of Kashmiri craftsmanship.
