Taan Room Divider | The Alchemy of our Fibres
Category: Furniture
Competitions: Home Competition 2025
Taan is a word that holds within it strain, stretch, and the quiet tension between potential and transformation. This piece draws from my time learning indigenous craft techniques in Nagaland and observing the intimate, rhythmic process of loin loom weaving, challenging assumptions around what back-strap looms can achieve. I designed the cloth tapestry to reflect the geometry and symbolism found in traditional Naga textiles, layering it with raised embroidery and tactile depth. It mirrors the tana bana, the warp and weft of making, filled with movement, folds, and intentional strain. The tapestry is fragmented, with each section separated by slender cane slivers, a material deeply rooted in Nagamese craft and often used in traditional weaponry and jewelry. Taan brings together design elements from across the collection, held in place by tension, as both strain and a unifying force. Through its form, materials, and making, it speaks to the strength of natural resources, local rituals, and the power of shared hands.
