Amasterclass event dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of handloom weaving, organised by Selyn, a handloom company, will be held at its outlet on Fife Road on August 10 and 11, with sessions from 10 am to 11 am, 11 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 3 pm.
Participants will get a chance to try their hand at plain weaving and learn about the various patterns used at Selyn, such as Plain, Dumbara, Twill, Honeycomb, Huckback, and different pallu designs.
The Plain weave is the simplest, providing a sturdy and even texture. The Dumbara weave, named after the Dumbara valley, incorporates traditional motifs and patterns. Twill weave creates a diagonal pattern, offering a unique texture and durability. The Honeycomb weave, as its name suggests, forms a honeycomb-like pattern, adding depth and visual interest. Huckback weave, often used for towels and linens, has a textured finish that is both functional and decorative. Different pallu designs, which are the decorative ends of a saree, showcase elaborate patterns and intricate workmanship.
Founded in 1991 by Sandra Wanduragala, Selyn began with a mission to create sustainable income sources for local female artisans by reviving the dying art of handloom weaving. What started with just 15 women in a garage has grown into a thriving network of over 1,000 female artisans across Sri Lanka. Selyn became the first fair-trade guaranteed handloom company in Sri Lanka in 2004, joining the World Fair Trade Organization. This certification ensures that Selyn’s products are made with ethical and sustainable practices, with artisans paid fairly and working in safe conditions.
Selyn has been dedicated to empowering women and local communities through the revival of traditional handloom craftsmanship. By providing consistent work, skills training, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, Selyn has significantly impacted the lives of its artisans. This positive change extends beyond individuals to their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and development. They use eco-friendly materials and processes, including OEKO-Tex-certified cotton yarn and dyes, Reach, Bluesign, and GOTS-certified chemicals, and a wastewater treatment plant to protect the environment.
The rich heritage of handloom craftsmanship is honoured and preserved at Selyn. Using locally sourced materials such as cotton and silk, artisans create unique, high-quality, natural products that reflect Sri Lanka’s cultural richness. The company’s vision is to expand its reach, creating more opportunities for women and craft communities in Sri Lanka and beyond, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Handloom weaving in Sri Lanka dates back to the 6th Century BC, coinciding with the beginning of the Sinhalese race. Traditionally, Sri Lanka’s weavers have been divided into two groups: indigenous weaving communities such as Thalagune, and master weavers from India brought to the island to make fine gold-woven cloths for ceremonial use and for the royals.
The local handloom tradition has also been influenced by waves of foreign immigrants, such as the Moor community, descendants from Arab traders from the Middle East. Handloom textile weaving is largely a home or community-based industry. Sri Lanka’s indigenous weavers have maintained a different aesthetic, with patterns and colours that tend to be more restrained.
Nature inspires many of the forms and patterns seen in traditional handloom textiles. Motifs of the mythical serpent-like kobo, the Salalihiniya bird, the sun, moon, stars, peacocks, and elephants are commonly woven into the fabric. Geometric patterns are also prevalent in Thalagune textiles, such as the katuru mala (crossed petals like a pair of scissors), botapata (two triangles apex to apex), and mal petta (geometrical flower petals).
