Goa’s Traditional Handloom: Kunbi Weaving

Kunbi weaving is one of Goa’s oldest handloom traditions, known for its distinctive checked patterns, functional design, and deep cultural associations with the Kunbi and Gawda communities. This study documents the traditional weaving practices, materials, motifs, and socio-cultural relevance of the craft while examining the current challenges faced by artisans, including declining market demand, limited economic support, and disruptions in generational skill transfer. Using qualitative methods such as field observations, interviews, and secondary data review, the research analyses the factors influencing the decline of Kunbi weaving and the ongoing revival efforts by designers, organizations, and government agencies. The findings highlight the need for sustained market access, policy intervention, skill-development initiatives, and designer–artisan collaborations to ensure the long-term survival and contemporary relevance of Kunbi weaving.