Sustaining Farasi Weaving in Rural Sindh, Pakistan: Traditional Knowledge, Artisan Livelihoods, and Market Challenges

Abstract

Farasi weaving is a traditional craft activity that is related to making durable animal fibre based floor covering products in rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan where it is practiced by the household. Although the craft has cultural significance and livelihood value, it still suffers from low participation, low income, long production process, poor market access and few institutions. The present study documents the Farasi production system of Bagheli village, Badin District and discusses the social, technical and economic situation of its continuation. This was done through repeated field visits, direct observation, interviews, group discussions, photographic documentation, and a structured questionnaire, and the approach was a qualitative-dominant case-study. The results indicate that the production is structured according to household division of labour. Fibre collection, preparation and spinning are mainly done by men and older family members, while women are responsible for the primary weaving operations. Skills are mainly passed on from parents and elders, showing a high level of reliance on intergenerational family learning. The majority of artisans surveyed indicated low monthly income and marketing was mainly local and through the local system. Restricted market access and the time needed for production were identified as significant bottlenecks. The study comes up with the conclusion that Farasi is not only a traditional cloth product but it is also a knowledge and livelihood system which is still alive. To ensure its continuity, it must be documented, skills need to be transferred effectively, the product adapted by artisans, women need to be increasingly involved in commercial decisions and there is a need for ongoing market development.