A Thoughtful Gift
A Dhaka Shawl
In our ‘hood, the neighbours are pretty friendly: we clear each others snow; we do wellness checks on each other; we exchange Christmas and birthday cards and small gifts.
This past Christmas I was surprised and delighted to receive a beautiful, traditional, handwoven muslin shawl from our Nepali neighbours. No explanation of the item was attached, just a lovely card with Christmas wishes from the family.
Curious, and not wanting to ask them, I took a shot of the fabric, and looked it up on Google, which immediately produced a description.
The fabric is called Dhaka. It has its roots in Terhathum district of Nepal. Dhaka is a fine, light cotton fabric traditionally hand woven in several patterns and colors. What makes the shawls and scarves made from Dhaka particularly unique is that they are made using three layers of the incredibly light fabric.
The centuries old art has the artisans weaving the Dhaka in assorted patterns and colors, using a fine cotton and an elaborate 16-step process on wood and bamboo looms. The woven designs have become one of Nepal’s most recognizable handicrafts. Unfortunately, the art is beginning to fade, although it is still practiced in a few places.
The collage shows some of the ways this shawl might be worn. I shared the photos with the Nepali neighbours, who were really pleased to see I was wearing the shawl, and knew the cultural significance of what it was.
The fabic is incredibly soft and light, and feels warm to the touch. It works as a light shawl over a dress or top, or as a fine, warm scarf for outdoors.
One bright brisk day in January, I left the house to go shopping, and was caught in a surprise snowfall, with no hat. But, I had the Dhaka shawl as a scarf, which I quickly whipped over my head and wore as a combo head covering and scarf, and it worked perfectly.
I think that it was a lovely gift, and as a person that collects scarves, I was particularly delighted with it.
