Goa’s traditional crochet craft moves toward GI recognition

Panaji: Traditionally, newly-wed brides carry crochet pieces to their marital homes as gifts, often displayed as part of household exhibitions. Items such as crochet pillow covers are also gifted to relatives, as they are viewed as heirlooms of affection in Goa.This delicate handwoven tradition, carried forward across generations, is set to gain global recognition as the Goa Council for Science and Technology, in collaboration with the department of handicrafts, textile, and coir, has proposed filing a geographical indication (GI) application for Goan crochet craft.Crochet, derived from the French word for ‘small hook’, is a craft that creates textiles by interlocking yarn or thread loops with a hooked needle.

While widespread globally, the Goan variants carry unique motifs and cultural symbolism tied to local traditions.“Though crochet-making is popular worldwide, there are some crochet designs that are unique to Goa. Several crochet craftswomen approached us to gain recognition for the same. We are therefore working on compiling these designs and have submitted a proposal to NABARD for financial support,” said Deepak Parab, the state nodal officer for GI Promotion.

While there are several crochet associations in Goa which could apply for a GI, Parab said that efforts are being made to bring them under one state-based association that can represent the entire crochet community of Goa. “Since we are the nodal agency for filing the GI application, we have already started the process,” he said.Two more unique Goan items are also being lined up for recognition—agarchem mitt, which is salt traditionally harvested from the state’s salt pans, and laman diva, a handcrafted copper and brass hanging lamp used in Hindu weddings and festivals.“The associations for these two have not yet been formed. We have prepared the draft and sent it to the department of science and technology for approval. Filing these for GI will be taken up on priority,” Parab told TOI.