Thuri
The making and uses of 'Thakri and Thuri' for spinning and reeling out the 'yungmathip khun' (Eri silk thread) and 'Khunthon' (Eri silk yarn ball) is a common practice of Dimasa people. 'Thakri' is basically a traditional wooden made spindle which can be made of any wood or bamboo, the length of 'Thakri' is nearly arounnd 22.6 cm. The 'Thakri' is usually thin on the top and broad on the bottom side, ' Thuri' in other hand is a bamboo made tool which is almost same in length with the 'Thakri' but bigger in volume, used in the process of reeling eri silk.
Rearing of silk cocoon for the production of Eri silk thread and yarn is one of the traditional practice of Dimasa community. In Dimasa community the rearing of 'Yungma' (Eri silk worm) is a common job of Dimasa people, however reeling and yarning of Eri silk is mainly a women based job in Dimasa community. The first step of producing Eri silk starts with the rearing of 'Yungma' (Eri silk worm), The Dimasa people reared Eri silk worm in a safe place or inside the house. later when the worm becomes cocoon they are taken out for boiling before they get fully mature. Dimasa people add 'Khari' (traditional alkali) in water while boiling coccon, once the worms inside cocoons are dead they are taken out of it for eating purpose and the cocoons are dried up in sun for one to three days, once the cocoons are fully dried it can be used for reeling and yarning of Eri silk. Reeling and yarning of Yungmathip khun and Khunthon by using Thakri and Thuri is one of the traditional method of Dimasa people which is still prevalent in their society till today. Reeling of Eri silk thread is not an easy job and requires a lot of experience and effort. The cloth produce from Eri silk yarn are 'RIHENDI' AND 'RITHAP', The demonstration of reeling and yarning Yungmathipkhun by using Thakri and Thuri is beautifully given in the video by the informant - Kunjo Rabi Barman Phonlgo of Joypur village ( Cachar).
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