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Floored by the variety

Of carpets made by tsunami victims

PHOTO: R. RAGU

WOVEN SPLENDOUR A colourful carpet

It is not ironic that tsunami victims should come up with such pretty designs, particularly the one that has lotus floating in a water body. Because the tsunami aid that rolled in has been quite overwhelming.

The Pondicherry based AuroSupreme Women Welfare Society, a 20-year-old organisation, was one of the many doing their bit to help victims move on with their lives. They have trained 12 women in the art of carpet weaving, providing them with a stipend during the year and new skill sets that open up new opportunities. Currently, these women have been absorbed into the organisations, but with some experience and financial support says Chaitanya Swain, coordinator of the Society, they could even start their own weaving units.

The project supported by Golden Chain Fraternity, a charitable trust, took a year to complete. And now the works are up for display and sale, in an exhibition titled Meaningful Weaves at Chamiers.

The range of carpets woven both as floor rugs in the Tibetan style and as wall hangings in a knotted German style of weaving is wide. There are small, conveniently sized carpets just perfect for today's drawing rooms, in both contemporary as well as traditional designs. There is a butterfly that's dramatic enough to be the highlight of the room and inshades that are muted enough to match the room's décor.Bold geometrical prints, flowers, traditional patterns and borders, in unusual colour combinations, an Om and a tiger, and even a sylvan landscape; you'll be surprised by the variety. The exhibition is on till July 30 at Chamiers, New 85, Chamiers Road.

MEERA MOHANTY

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