Beginning from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic, Toda artisans from the Nilgiris have fashioned a unique way to help their community. Adopting their age-old traditional skills, these artisans have begun producing face masks, an essential tool in combating the spread of the virus. This initiative not only aids the public health efforts but also serves as a valuable source of income for the Toda people, providing them with a sustainable livelihood.
Background: The Toda Tribe
The Toda Tribe is a pastoral tribe originating from the Nilgiri Hills in southern India. With their own distinctive Dravidian language, which stands out as significantly different from other languages in the Dravidian family, the Todas are known for their unique culture and traditions. Their settlements typically consist of three to seven small thatched houses, organizing themselves into discrete communities.
Historically, the Todas have been dependent on trade, with dairy products and cane and bamboo articles forming the mainstay of their commerce. They engage in exchanges with other communities inhabiting the Nilgiri area, thus interweaving the economic patterns among the diverse groups of the region.
The Art of Toda Embroidery
In the Toda community, embroidery has a special place. Known as ‘pohor’ in the local language, this craft manifests prominently in the making of the traditional Toda dress, the Putukuli. This distinctive shawl is considered a grand garment and is reserved for special occasions such as temple visits, festivals, and is even used as a shroud.
Embroidery in the Toda community is primarily a female occupation. These women painstakingly stitch together intricate geometric designs, using red and black threads (and occasionally blue ones) on unbleached white cotton fabric, creating visually stunning articles that echo their cultural ethos. This art form is so uniquely linked to their geographic location and cultural history that it has been accorded a Geographical Indications (GI) Tag.
Making Masks: A New Venture
Against the backdrop of Covid-19, the Toda artisans have harnessed the power of their traditional skills to create face masks. By producing these essential items, they are helping people ward off the infection, adding a new dimension to their craftsmanship – that of enhancing public health safety.
The initiative also represents an innovative way of securing income for the Todas in these challenging times. By using their specialized skills in embroidery, these artisans have found an avenue to continue their art and culture, while also contributing towards the betterment of society.
Covid-19 has affected most aspects of life, and in these uncertain times, it is encouraging to see communities like the Toda tribe dig deep into their traditions and adapt for survival. The Toda artisans’ initiative to make face masks signifies a blend of cultural heritage and modern necessities, proving that even in times of crisis, human innovative spirit can thrive.
