Ethiopians across every corner of the nation do have their respective identities for reflecting tradition, culture, living style and norms using various means.
Unequivocally, Ethiopians’ culture is a vibrant mosaic woven with rich traditions, and handloom textiles which are significant threads that attach its people to their heritages and humanoid origins.
The Ethiopian Herald held talks with Ango Utang, a weaver working around Shiro Meda, Addis Ababa. “Handloom has been an integral part of Ethiopian society for centuries, reflecting the nation’s diverse customs, beliefs, and artistic expressions. Unlike industrial fabrics, handloom textiles carry a story of craftsmanship, culture, and sustainability that has been passed down through generations. The cultural significance of handloom in Ethiopia and its role in shaping the country’s identity is well underscored and needs to be well nurtured in the future,” he said.
According to Ango, traditional Ethiopian clothing and garments are not just worn during special ceremonies like weddings, festivals, and religious rituals; but also in daily activities. The soft texture, intricate designs, and vibrant colors of handloom products add a unique charm to these occasions, making them timeless keepsakes for generations.
According to Ango, in today’s world, where sustainability is a priority, handloom stands out as an eco-friendly choice. Unlike industrial textile production, handloom does not require electricity or heavy machinery, reducing its environmental impact. Handloom fabrics are typically crafted using natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool, making them biodegradable and much more sustainable.
“Handloom fabrics are also considered more ethical than mass-produced textiles, as they are made in small batches, ensuring fair wages and working conditions for artisans. In contrast, industrial textile production is often associated with environmental degradation, resource depletion, and unethical labor practices,” he added.
He said, “Handloom is experiencing resurgence in contemporary fashion, thanks to the efforts of designers who are incorporating traditional weaves into modern designs. This fusion of the old and new has caught the attention of fashion-conscious folks across the world. Many designers are now blending traditional handloom techniques with contemporary styles, creating unique outfits that appeal to younger generations. This movement is helping to preserve handloom techniques while making them relevant in the modern fashion world.”
Ango further illuminated that handloom production often takes place in community settings, fostering social interaction and reinforcing cultural bonds. Interestingly, handloom textiles often carry symbolic meanings and represent a sense of belonging and cultural pride.
By supporting the handloom industry, the nation not only promotes cultural preservation but it also empowers artisans, strengthen local economies, and foster a sense of cultural identity. Handloom weaving preserves ancient techniques and skills passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural knowledge. Each state in Ethiopia, for example, boosts its own distinctive handloom styles, reflecting the unique cultural identity of that area. Handloom textiles are not just fabrics; they are artistic expressions that embody cultural narratives, beliefs, and aesthetics.
According to him, the handloom industry provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, and contributes to the economic well-being of communities. Handloom products are often integral to cultural celebrations, festivals, and rituals. Many handloom techniques and materials are inherently sustainable, aligning with contemporary values of environmental consciousness. Promoting handloom helps revive and sustain dying crafts and traditions, preventing from being lost to time, he underlined.
Melaku Dendea, traditional attires wholesaler receiving from weavers like Ango was also approached by this newspaper. He said the handloom industry is vital for the livelihoods of many rural communities across the nation though the degree varies. It also provides employment to millions of artisans, many of whom are women, in urban areas, too.
“By supporting handloom, not only do we preserve the country’s cultural heritage but we can also empower the artisans who pour their heart and soul into their work. Women play a critical role in the handloom industry, particularly in rural areas. Many families rely on the income generated from weaving to sustain their households. Handloom weaving offers a source of empowerment for these women, giving them financial independence and a platform to demonstrate their creativity,” he added.
As to Melaku, handloom production is often a family affair in rural Ethiopia, even in some parts of urban areas in the country like the capital Addis, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, passed down from one generation to another. It provides employment opportunities that require minimal technological intervention, making it a lifeline for artisans in areas with limited access to modern industries.
Despite its cultural importance, the handloom industry faces significant challenges. Many handloom weavers in Shiro Meda in Addis Ababa as well as in some rural areas, lack access to modern technology, marketing platforms, and financial resources. Without these tools, they struggle to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Such daunting challenges have to be abated as promptly as possible, as to Melaku.
Collaboration between traditional artisans and modern designers can help sustain the industry; and preserving handloom traditions is essential not only to promote cultural heritage but also to preserve and pass the wisdom to the future generations. Supporting handloom today ensures that the craft will continue to thrive, connecting future generations to their rich cultural past.
Handloom is more than just a fabric; it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, artistry, and resilience. Handloom creativity plays a vital role in preserving and promoting culture by serving as a tangible link to the past and a source of cultural identity. Handloom textiles, crafted with traditional techniques, reflect Ethiopian societies’ history, skills, and artistic expression, often descended down through generations, he added.
According to Melaku, culture and heritage are the twin pillars of human identity, embodying our collective memory and evolution. Culture refers to the dynamic practices, beliefs, arts, and knowledge that define societies, while heritage comprises the tangible and intangible legacies citizens inherit from their ancestors. Together, they form the soul of humanity.
“By supporting handloom traditions, we contribute to the continuity of cultural heritage and empower artisans and their communities. Besides, the handloom industry provides livelihoods for many artisans, particularly in rural areas, and contributes to local economies. True, Ethiopia can preserve traditional knowledge, skills, and techniques that are integral to cultural heritage by valuing and supporting handloom products.”
“Consumers play a vital role in supporting the cultural legacy woven into each piece by choosing handloom products. This conscious choice helps ensure that these age-old crafts continue to thrive, enriching both the cultural landscape and the lives of the artisans who create them. Handloom weaving is deeply intertwined with promoting and preserving cultural heritage. It serves as a tangible link to the past, showcasing unique national techniques, patterns, and subjects that reflect the history and traditions of various communities.”
Melaku further stated that policies promoting sustainable tourism, empowering local communities as custodians, and integrating heritage education into school curricula are steps in the right direction. Ethiopia can also look to global examples, such as Japan’s thorough preservation of its and traditions, for encouragement. In a world often driven by fleeting trends, culture, tradition and identity offer permanence reminding shared humanity and enriching people’s understanding about life’s complexities and varied features of cultural manifestations.
No doubt, handloom textiles are often made from ordinary, supportable materials such as cotton. These materials are decomposable and have a lower environmental footprint compared to synthetic fibers and the production process of handloom textiles is inherently sustainable, Melaku added.
Generally, handloom weaving is deeply intertwined with Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, and handloom textiles offer a refreshing alternative to rapidly growing consumerism. These handmade fabrics are synonymous with slow fashion, which emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability over mass production and disposability. Handloom products are often more durable and unique, encouraging consumers to invest in timeless pieces rather than ephemeral trends. This shift can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.
BY MENGESHA AMARE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 29 JUNE 2025
