Question

A type of portable loom used in Northeast India that weaves narrow width fabrics:

• A. \( \text{Vertical loom} \)
• B. \( \text{Pit loom} \)
• C. \( \text{Horizontal loom} \)
• D. \( \text{Backstrap loom} \)

Hint:

The backstrap loom is one of the oldest weaving technologies in the world. Its simplicity allows for extremely intricate hand-picked designs that are difficult to replicate on automated looms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Indigenous weaving traditions in India vary significantly by region. In the Northeast (Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, etc.), weaving is a domestic craft primarily practiced by women using simple, non-mechanized equipment.

Step 1: Identify the regional loom.
The Backstrap loom, also known as the Loin loom, is the most iconic portable loom of the Northeast. It does not have a rigid frame. Instead, one end of the warp is tied to a fixed point (like a wall or post), and the other end is held by a strap around the weaver's lower back.

Step 2: Analyze its characteristics.
Because the weaver's body weight provides the tension for the warp, the width of the fabric is limited by the distance the weaver can comfortably reach, resulting in narrow width fabrics. These narrow strips are often stitched together to create larger garments like shawls or wraps.

Step 3: Evaluate portability.
Since it has no heavy frame, it can be easily rolled up and carried, making it highly portable.