Restoration of Muslin Yarn and Fabric Artisanal Practice as a Living Cultural Heritage in Tarabo, Narayanganj, Bangladesh

Abstract

Among many, Muslin is the living fossil and symbol of cultural heritage in the history of Bangal textile. It still upholds the territorial identity, community engagement, transmission of cultural knowledge, social cohesion and sustainable urban development as the historical periods. About 200 years ago Dhaka Muslin was one of the most priceless and cherished good in this globe. This delicate and a little more than transparent yarn was manually made by the local weavers, spinners and farmers of Bangal than it was lost forever. But now Bangladeshi scientists and researchers have conducted intense research for almost ten years to revive Muslin Yarn and Fabric and partially succeed which is now established in the specific study area near Shitalakshya riverbank in Tarabo Municipality, Narayanganj District, Dhaka, Bangladesh named ‘Dhakai Muslin House.’ In this study, we have explained the prime methods and factors of crafting Muslin as it was in the earlier times and still in the current period. As, it is the only method of crafting pure Muslin yarn and fabric. So that, we can acknowledge, bring back and restore our history, culture, traditional artisanal practice and restore cultural heritage (intangible). To achieve this purpose, we have gone through various reference materials and primary records. According to our information, this data archive is currently the only data archive which has merged all the additional values with the mainstream research and enhanced the revival of Muslin Yarn and Fabric under the microclimatic aspects at the same time. The deliberated outcome of our discussion will not only put impact in the future research and training process of Muslin Yarn and Fabric revival and restoration but also mark it as a living cultural heritage all around the world and recognize as a cultural fingerprint for our future generation.