Myanmar Loom Ladies

The beautiful blankets we currently stock from these ladies take from 2 to 3 weeks to make, and bring the family much needed extra income.The ladies are all in a group that has no name but are open to suggestions, so let us know if you have any ideas!

The 18 ladies are all originally from Chin State which borders India. It is a very poor and under developed region of the country and closed to foreign visitors. These ladies now live in Yangon with their families. Their husbands are mostly pastors planting churches that are reaching to Burmese people who make up the majority of Myanmar. Most of Chin State is Christian, which is a big reason why it is neglected by authorities and so underdeveloped. Their households currently live off about $75 per month for all expenses (except rent).

These ladies use the money from the blankets to support their children in school. Free State education in Myanmar is currently not enough for the average child to pass exams. The state teachers teach poorly so they can run after school private tuition classes in their homes. All children need this tuition to pass and it costs up to $12 a month per child, more if they are at high school.

They have learnt this craft from their mothers who learnt it from their mothers and previous generations. This is only used in this State, although others areas have similar craft. Traditionally they used cotton grown and spun in Chin state. However, now factory materials have made the traditional thread uneconomical. Only blankets for ceremonies are made in the traditional way. It is very expensive and very slow. The cotton is hand picked, washed and spun – no colours.

The methods are the same as their mothers and grandmothers used. Mothers often give their daughters a loom as a special gift. These current range of blankets made for Two Pocket are from Thai materials.