Eri Silk Spinning Weaving Arunachal Pradesh Peace Silk

Eri silk, produced from the castor-feeding Samia ricini silkworm, is called peace silk or ahimsa silk because the cocoon is open-ended and the moth can exit before the reeling process — no silkworm is killed in eri production. Eri silk is significant in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly among the Adi and Nyishi communities of East Siang and Papum Pare districts who weave the spun eri fibre on loin looms into shawls, wraps, and garments. Unlike mulberry silk which is reeled as a continuous filament, eri cocoons are cut-spun like wool into a soft staple fibre with a texture similar to cashmere. Eri fabric has unique warmth properties — it is the warmest natural fibre in proportion to its weight — making it valued in the cold Arunachal hill climate. The fabric has a natural off-white to pale yellow colour and takes natural dyes well. Global demand for peace silk is driven by the vegan and sustainable fashion market: buyers in Europe, Japan, and USA specifically seek silk produced without silkworm killing. Arunachal cooperative producers supply eri yarn and woven fabric to the premium sustainable fashion market. Government skill development training supports new eri weaving cooperatives in areas where the tradition was declining.