The
object must have been to provide highly decorative garments for the royalty or
noblemen. J White or coloured designs of great intricacy are created using a method of
weaving, somewhat like tapestry work. Small shuttles filled with coloured, gold or silver
thread, are passed throught the warp as required for the basic weave. The fabric appears
lacelike with shadowy figured designs, dreamy and suggestive. A speciality of Dacca, the
long warp threads are arranged, as in the case of any ordinary cloth. The pattern of the
embroidery is drawn on paper and pinned beneath the warp. Whilst weaving the workmen have
to raise the paper pattern to ascertain if the weft has neared to where a flower or figure
had to appear. When the exact spot is reached, he uses a bamboo sliver to pass each buthi
thread through the warp, sewing down the inserted thread. When the embroidered pattern is
continous and regular, the weaver usually dispenses with the paper pattern. Two weavers
normally work at a loom to accelerate as also simplify the work.
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