Traditional Woolen Namda (Felted Fabrics) from Tonk, Rajasthan: A Livelihood Initiative for Rural Women

Abstract

Namda or felt sheets and articles made of felt have a historic association with Tonk in Rajasthan (India). Felting has been practiced here for generations, providing a livelihood for the craftsmen who make hand-made felt and those who develop products from the felt sheets, including floor coverings, mats, and decorative pieces for both domestic and export markets. Felt’s design, finishing, and quality are the key criteria impacting the value of the urban product and the end market. The Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) in Avikanagar conducted skill development training for rural women with a focus on making handicraft products from felt sheets. The objective was to promote traditional craft as well as empower women through enhancement of their self-reliance, with opportunities for further progression for high-performing trainees. The Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD) in Jaipur collaborated with CSWRI for design intervention and skill enhancement targeting for the urban market. Just as these women were inching toward fully sustainable livelihoods, however, the sudden outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the demand and supply of handicraft products and seriously impacted their ability to work. This paper discusses the collaborative efforts put into building sustainable livelihoods around handicrafts and considers how the Covid-19 pandemic has impaired that work.