इन्दि फिथोब (Indi Phitwb)

The eri cocoon are open-mouthed, as the silk filament is not wrapped as in mulberry, muga and tassar. Hence, the eri cocoons cannot be reeled but spun like cotton. The domesticated endi is loose with white or blood red, flossy and large. The shape, size and color of the endi cocoon vary on the host plant leaves. The endi worm feeding on castor leaves yield a bigger cocoon than any other host plant leaves. The size also depends on the type of mountage used for cocooning.  The leaves of Jackfruit and mango are preferred to be best for use in mounting. The cocoon produced during late spring and late autumn are said to be the best and hence used for commercial spinning. The estimated weight of 1kg comprises somewhat 2000 cocoons. The endi cocoon is hygroscopic. The endi moth comes out of the cocoon without disturbing its fiber; hence all the cocoons can be used for spinning after proper cleaning. The cocoons are stored in an earthenware vessel until the favorable times come for spinning.  Prior to spinning the cocoons are required to be degummed. Degumming is done by boiling the cocoons in water for about 2-3 hours. Degumming can be done by adding an alkaline solution generally prepared by a traditional method like certain leaves of the plant and straw. But it has to be careful that the cocoons should not be left for over-boiled else it will lead to the weakening of the filaments. The boiled endi cocoons are wrapped up in a plantain or arum leaf for 2-4 days to loosen out the inner content of the cocoon. Sometimes the cocoon needs to be boiled twice. The cocoons are cleaned up thoroughly and any dirt present are removed and kept for spinning during favorable time.