The documentation of the process of making pvdu

Nyishi
Jeju Dada Circle, East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, India

The documentation of the process of making pvdu: a traditional fabric crafted from a nettle plant variety among the Nyishi Tribe of Jeju Dada circle, East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, India presents an invaluable opportunity to capture both the material and cultural significance of this practice. FLICR fellow Taba Yami aims to document not just the technical aspects of creating pvdu, but also the stories, songs, and communal experiences that are woven into this fabric.

Once widely worn by tribes across the eastern Himalayan region, pvdu is now a rare commodity, with synthetic yarn and mass-produced fabrics overshadowing its use. Yet, pvdu holds historical and cultural weight—more than a garment, it represents a connection between people and their environment. This effort to preserve the knowledge of pvdu production is crucial for reviving traditional practices and ensuring that future generations can access this cultural heritage.

Taba Yami’s work is now available for access via the Nyishi Language Resource at the CoRSAL language archive.