Origin & History:
The Loin Loom is one of the oldest and simplest types of looms, used for centuries by tribal and indigenous communities in Northeast India and across Southeast Asia and Central America. In India, it is traditionally used by women weavers of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and parts of Ladakh.
This loom is called "loin" because the backstrap (or belt) is fastened around the weaver's lower back (loins) to create tension while weaving. It is portable, manual, and needs no external frame, making it ideal for small homes and mountainous regions.
Artisan Communities:
Mishing, Apatani, Adi, and Nyishi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Ao, Angami, Chakhesang, and Lotha tribes of Nagaland, Zeliangrong, Meitei, and Tangkhul communities of Manipur, Mizo and Reang tribes of Mizoram and Tripura, Also used in Ladakh and by Bhutia and Lepcha women in Sikkim.
Geographic Spread:
· India: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam (tribal areas), Sikkim, Ladakh
· Global: Variants used in Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, and Laos
Technique & Process:
1. Loom Setup: The loom consists of two sticks and a set of rods. One end is tied to a fixed post or wall, and the other is tied around the weaver's waist. The weaver sits on the ground, leaning back to keep the warp threads taut.
2. Weaving Process: The weaver uses a shed stick and heddle rod to create a shed (space between warp threads). A bamboo sword or beater is used to pack down the weft after each pass. Designs are created using supplementary weft or extra warp techniques
3. Patterning: Each tribe has distinct geometric, floral, or animal motifs.
Materials & Motifs:
· Fabric: Cotton, Eri silk, Acrylic yarn, and wool (in colder regions)
· Motifs: Tribal symbols, diamonds, stars, human figures, animals (elephants, mithun, hornbills)
· Colors: Bright contrasting tones: red, black, white, blue, green, maroon.
Notable Use & Products: Runway Nagaland, Zubaan X NEN, Woven Threads, and WeAreLabeles.