Both handlooms and handicrafts are made using manual techniques, without using heavy machinery. Both reflect the traditions, culture, and history of a community or location. However, handloom and handicraft are not exactly the same. Handloom can be described as a type of handicraft.
What is the difference between handloom and handicraft? Handloom refers specifically to the weaving of fabric using a manually operated loom. Handicraft, on the other hand, includes a broader range of handmade items using traditional skills and tools.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Handloom
– Definition, Features
2. What is Handicraft
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Handloom and Handicraft
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Handloom and Handicraft
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Handloom and Handicraft
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Handloom, Handicraft
What is Handloom
Handloom is the traditional method of waving fabric using a hand-operated weaving machine or the loom. Moreover, handloom fabric is sometimes also called handwoven fabric. Handloom weaving requires a loom. This is a simple machine that interlaces two sets of threads, the warp (longitudinal threads) and the weft (horizontal threads), to create fabric. They are operated entirely by hand or foot. Therefore, they require skilled and experienced weavers. This loom itself is sometimes called a ‘handloom.’ Creating handloom fabric is a labor-intensive process. It may take hours or even days to complete.
Handloom weaving is a very old tradition that is found in many cultural textile traditions. Indian saris, African kente cloth, and Indonesian ikat are some common examples of handloom fabrics. Many communities preserve their identity and heritage through unique handloom patterns and techniques. Generally, this weaving method produces unique and high-quality products. They’re also durable and breathable, as natural fibers used in this process are more comfortable and skin-friendly. Furthermore, handloom weaving supports local artisans and promotes sustainable practices. Therefore, it’s now a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers.
What is Handicraft
Handicraft is the activity of creating items by hand using traditional skills and tools. The items created in this activity are also called handicrafts. The word handicrafts also applies to a wide range of products, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, weaving, and glasswork.
Handicraft has a very long history. Dhokra, which is a type of metal casting in India, has a history of over 5000 years. Similarly, Iranian Baluchistan, which is making red ware hand-made pottery with dotted ornaments, also has a history that runs thousands of years.
The main feature of handicraft is that it does not machines. Moreover, items made by mass production are also not considered as handicraft items. In fact, most handicrafts artisans use natural or even indigenous materials. However, there are some who prefer modern, non-traditional materials, and sometimes even upcycled industrial materials.
Similarities Between Handloom and Handicraft
- Both handlooms and handicrafts are made with manual techniques, without using heavy machinery.
- They involve traditional skills and techniques, usually passed down through generations.
- Both reflect the traditions, culture, and history of a community or location.
Difference Between Handloom and Handicraft
Definition
- Handloom refers specifically to the weaving of fabric using a manually operated loom. Handicraft, on the other hand, includes a broader range of handmade items using traditional skills and tools.
Focus
- Handloom mainly focuses on creating textiles, such as saris, shawls, and other woven fabrics. Handicraft involves crafting various products, including pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, and decorative items.
Materials and Tools
- Handloom uses threads and yarns made from cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic fibers. It always uses a loom designed for weaving. Handicraft uses a wide range of materials, including clay, metal, glass, wood, fabric, paper, and natural fibers. It can use various simple tools like needles, brushes, molds, chisels, etc.
FAQ: Handloom and Handicraft
1. What is the difference between handloom and weaving?
Handloom is weaving done by hand on a manual loom. Weaving can be done by hand or machines and it can also include items like basketry or mats made from natural fibers in addition to textiles. Handloom is a type of weaving.
2. What is the difference between textile and handicraft?
Textile is material made from fibers, like fabric, used for clothing, upholstery, or decoration. Handicraft refers to handmade items created using various materials, such as wood, clay, or fabric. Basically, handicrafts can include textiles.
3. Is weaving a handicraft?
Yes, we can consider weaving as a handicraft when it is done by hand. This is because it involves creating fabric or items using traditional skills and manual tools like looms.
4. What is the difference between handloom and handmade?
We use the word handloom to refer to fabrics made on a manual loom. Handloom involves weaving threads into textiles. Handmade is a broader term for any item crafted entirely by hand, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and more.
5. Which country is famous for handloom?
India is famous for handloom. In fact, it has a variety of handwoven fabrics like silk, cotton, khadi, and wool. Regions like Varanasi (Banarasi silk), Andhra Pradesh (Pochampally ikat), and Tamil Nadu (Kanchipuram silk) are known all over their world for their unique handloom traditions.
Reference:
1. “What are Handloom Fabrics?” Rare and Fair.
2. “Handicraft.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Measuring Tape on the Threads in a Loom” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Local handicraft at Art in the Park, Honiara, Solomon Islands, 2012. Photo- Yvonne Green – DFAT” By Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Local handicraft at Art in the Park, Honiara, Solomon Islands, 2012. Photo: Yvonne Green / DFAT (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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