DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFTS AND HANDLOOM, GOVT. OF SIKKIM
CARPET WEAVING
Like other oriental carpets, Sikkimese carpets are also hand knotted and woven in fixed vertical looms which are kept standing with the support of a wall. This art requires a high degree of concentration. This craft is taken up mainly by women in Sikkim. Carpet designs are normally of mythical birds, flowers like the lotus, snowlions, eight Buddhist lucky signs etc.Carpets of different sizes for covering walls,chairs,sofas,beds or diwans are made and marketed through the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation.The time taken in making these carpets varies according to the size of the carpets, the designs and the ability of the weaver.The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Government of Sikkim provides training in carpet weaving for two years to all Sikkimese boys and girls between the age group of 14 to 24 years. The Government has been pleased to accord approval or sanction for the revision and enhancement of stipend to the trainees of the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms w.e.f. 1st April 2012 as under.
  1. Existing rate 1st year Rs 700/- pm. Revised rate 1st year Rs 1,500/- pm.
  2. Existing rate 2nd year & onwards Rs 900/- pm. Revised rate 2nd year & onwards Rs 2,000/- pm.

During the first year of training, the trainees are imparted knowledge and skill relating to carding, plain weave and yarn spinning. During the second year the trainees are taught how to weave a variety of designs.After training, these trainees can work from their own homes or they can avail of the facilities provided by the Directorate by coming to work as paid workers in the production centres. They can also form craft cooperatives with others.

This is a traditional design used in carpets in Sikkim. The Tanga is actually a medallion or a coin and is popularly used in carpets, wood carving, paintings etc. While the original coin is said to have some words inscribed in the middle these designs in carpets have no inscriptions.

Sikkimese carpets are hand woven in fixed vertical loin looms by women. The time taken in making these carpets varies according to the ability of the weaver.
This website was created in 2012 to showcase all the information about Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Govt. of Sikkim.
It includes information such as list of Government Officials, Products, Government Gazettes, Achievements etc. The website is updated periodically as the information changes.
Any suggestions for improvement may be conveyed to Mrs. Jyotsna M. Karthak,SCS, Director Ph-03592-203126 (O) (Gangtok) 9434181262 (M) mail to:directordhhsikkim[a]gmail.com

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