Assamese mekhela chadors with hargila conservation motif on display in Natural History Museum

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 25, 2024

It is a matter of immense pride that Assamese Mekhela sadors have been displayed in the Natural History Museum to spread the hargila conservation message of Assam.

A teal-coloured mekhela sador, integrated with the hargila motif and designed by UNEP Champion of the Earth Dr Purnima Devi Barman, was woven by the Hargila Army women members.

Dr Purnima Devi Barman, a Whitley Gold Award winner and UNEP Champion of the Earth, was contacted by Jess Simpson from the Natural History Museum to display the hargila mekhela sadors alongside the hargila headdress. This allows people from London and around the world to learn about the unique conservation efforts happening in Assam through textiles and to educate them about the conservation success story of the hargila. This is indeed a milestone achievement for the conservation community.

Notably, last year, another set of mekhela sadors was displayed at the Design Museum in London. This mobile exhibition is now being shifted to the Welt Museum in the Netherlands, where similar mekhela sadors are being showcased.

Dr Purnima Devi Barman expressed her excitement, stating, “This gives me hope, seeing how people worldwide, especially from such reputable museums, are trying to create awareness and inspire others through our work. This is also a story of entrepreneurship, demonstrating how our communities can develop textile designs based on motifs inspired by our local flora and fauna. It reflects our tradition, culture, and the talent of Assamese women, especially our weavers. This is also such a tool for environmental education.”

Dr Barman who is associated as a biologist with Aaranyak and works as Director, Women in Nature Network, India chapter further added, “I started this small initiative, which has now touched everyone’s heart. I urge all our youth to start with a small initiative for conservation, which can become something bigger one day. I thank all team members of the Natural History Museum, especially Ms. Jess Simpson, our community women, and everyone from my state, Assam, for inspiring me. Our beautiful state of Assam has such rich biodiversity and culture, which resulted in this hargila motif mekhela sadors.”