Katkeda

Katkeda is a term used in ethnographic literature to denote a traditional textile practice that encompasses weaving, dyeing, and embroidery. Practices identified as katkeda appear among several communities with related linguistic backgrounds, though the specifics of technique and pattern vary by locale. In some contexts, katkeda also refers to the decorative cloth produced by the process.

Techniques and materials: Katkeda weaving typically occurs on a loom and combines resist-dye elements with surface embroidery to form geometric and floral motifs. Natural fibers such as wool and cotton are common, and color palettes favor earthy browns, deep blues, and greens. Common tools include a handloom, a shuttle, and needles for embroidery.

History and distribution: Scholarly accounts place katkeda production in earlier centuries within the regions where it is practiced, with local guilds and master weavers preserving the knowledge. In recent decades, revival programs and collaborations with contemporary textile artists have helped sustain interest and adapt motifs for modern markets.

Cultural significance and use: Traditional katkeda textiles often appear in ceremonial garments, household textiles, and dowry pieces in communities where the craft is practiced. Motifs can signify lineage, clan affiliation, or community memory, and the weaving process is frequently a social activity that reinforces intergenerational knowledge transfer.

See also: Textile arts, Weaving, Dyeing, Embroidery.