ARCHIVES
VOL. 12, ISSUE 10 (2025)
A typological study of design motifs in Rabha traditional textiles of Assam
Authors
Amardeep Rabha, Dr. Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam
Abstract
This study explores the typology of design motifs in the traditional
textiles of the Rabha community of Assam, India, aiming to document and
classify, based on their visual form and inspirations. Rooted in field-based
qualitative research, the study draws upon fieldwork in Rabha-inhabited
regions, combining ethnographic observation, photographic documentation, and
interviews with skilled weavers. The findings reveal that Rabha textile motifs
are inspired by diverse sources—nature, cultural artifacts, and ritual
beliefs—and can be broadly categorized into four major types: geometric, floral,
zoomorphic, and abstract & symbolic. Each motif serves as a visual
expression of indigenous aesthetics and belief systems, reflecting a deep
interconnection between the community’s environment, spirituality, and social
identity. Beyond their aesthetic function, these motifs embody a repository of
indigenous knowledge and cultural memory transmitted through weaving. The
typological framework developed in this study not only contributes to the
academic understanding of folk textile design but also supports the
preservation and revitalization of Rabha weaving traditions as a vital part of
India’s intangible cultural heritage.
Download
Pages:207-212
How to cite this article:
Amardeep Rabha, Dr. Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam "A typological study of design motifs in Rabha traditional textiles of Assam". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 10, 2025, Pages 207-212
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.