Why We Must Call Out Craftwashing

There is a problem when something digitally printed or mechanised is sold as handmade with a skill that takes years to learn In these days of large industrial production anything handmade implies time and luxury. Weaving a handmade sari takes from three days to six months. Warping which is a necessary part of weaving, takes another five to fifteen days. Hand printing a sari takes from three to 30 days depending on the intricacy and technique. Learning an artisanal craft skill takes months if not years. And becoming good at it takes much longer. Even with an artisan earning only a subsistence wage as they often do, handmade products cost more and take much longer to make than those made on machines. Every single handmade piece looks different from the other and you need an informed customer who enjoys the distinction in these days of cookie cutter looks. [caption id="attachment_198812" align="alignnone" width="714"] An artisan working on patola sari, Sam Panthaky/AFP[/caption]