Weaving

Girls are trained in the art of weaving from a very early age and the art form is handed down from generation to generation. The basic raw materials used by them in weaving are wool and cotton yarn. Their woven products are mainly woolens, which meet their essential requirement of clothing. They also weave blankets, haversacks, tents etc., from yak hair. Of all the articles woven by the Monpa women, the craft of weaving wooden carpets deserves a special mention. By combining different shades of woolen yarn, they weave carpets with exquisite designs of dragon, snow-lion, birds or flowers on them. Equally sophisticated and artistic,are their textile bags, which are made by combining five colors -red, yellow, white, black and green.

The Monpas use three types of looms-loin loom, high wrap loom or treadle loom and low wrap loom. The loin loom is used for weaving bags, blankets, raincoats, tents, haversacks etc. It is also employed for weaving light woolen cloths. Low wrap looms are employed for weaving most of their woolens while carpets are woven on high wrap looms.