When somebody talks of ikat – the things that come to mind are the intricate diamond-shaped patterns, paisley designs, and curved scrolls that come to mind. Does one know what looks like printed designs on fabric may be a complex weaving style that incorporates specially dyed threads to develop a pattern on the material because the weaver weaves along? Albeit it’s a tie-dye textile art, ikat has its flavor.
You can easily recognize Ikkat sarees by their “chowkra” designs, which appear as if the edges of the diamond are diffused inside a square. The making of Ikkat comprises a tie-and-dye method where the yarns are hand-dyed in elegant yet straightforward patterns then woven into the material. Widely, the material used is either silk or cotton.
Now, there’s more to the image when it comes to Ikat Sarees, so in this article, we will understand the origin, history, weaving techniques, motifs, and latest trends in ikkat sarees.
HISTORY
Looking back to our history, ikat has not always been India’s indigenous textile art. It’s also called ikkat or ikhat. Textile experts are still trying to find the true origin of ikat’s since this textile art is often seen far and wide. Interestingly, the word ikat originates from the Malay-Indonesian word mengikat, which suggests tying a bundle of yarn or threads.
In India, sources of Ikat designs date back to the 7th Century and are seen to be available. They are made into stunning pieces, sarees, kurtas, suit sets, home decor, and fusion wear like pants, tops, and dresses. Ikat kurtas are one of the most adorned Kurtis in India, then are Ikat sarees, with 9-10 iterations of Ikat techniques and many designs available in this marvelous art.
TRAVELING TALES OF IKAT
Many textile scholars firmly believe that this art evolved in many places in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand. They had an extended history of developing the ikat weaving technique, each having its specialty. And because the Dutch invaders colonized these south Asian countries in Central America, this art traveled to countries like Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala, and Bolivia.
But ikat came to India way back; due to its trade ties with Indonesia and China. Old frescoes present in the Ajanta and Ellora caves depict figurines wearing clothes featuring ikat patterns, proving that as early as the 7th Century, the Indian weavers were using ikat dyeing to dye the yarn and weave the material. In India, the art took on an elaborate and complicated tone.
Over the past few years, India came to be one of the most prominent handloom textile arts in three significant regions – Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, and Odisha. These three regions developed and evolved their type of ikkat weaving – each having a distinct pattern and, therefore, how the yarn is dyed and used. The fine quality of ikat produced in India became so in-demand and popular that at one point, it was taken as a currency on the famous Silk Route, which further helped to spread the Ikat form in the Afghan region and Uzbekistan.
CONCLUSION
With this, we conclude our comprehensive article on Ikat Sarees. Hope you’ve some invaluable insights into its historical significance. These Ikkat Sarees quickly pass as one of the necessary forms of classic ethnic wear, as they boast an exotic blend of both cloth and exquisite motifs. No doubt, they’re the glory of India!
