Growing up, Vasai Zimik Ringkhanring, affectionately known as Akhan, didn’t pay much attention to the collection of old shawls and mekhalas — wraparound skirts worn by women — overflowing from the tin and wooden trunks of her home at Sirarakhong village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, unaware of the value of those historical artefacts.
These family heirlooms, passed down through generations, held little significance to her and her siblings during their childhood. The crimson and red fabrics were merely carbolic-smelling bundles of old cloth for them. However, their skilled weaver mother revered the treasure trove.
“It wasn’t until we grew older that we started to appreciate our weaving tradition,” Akhan said, reflecting on her journey of rediscovery. Over 20 years ago, she decided to showcase the antique shawls and mekhalas to the public in Manipur. This decision marked the beginning of her mission to preserve her cultural heritage.
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