Salem Silk Dhotis are produced from time immemorial by the local tradional weaving community known as “Sourashtra” Community. The Silk dhotis of salem are famous for their luster, whiteness, technical excellence and novelty of border designs viz., Nagachattai, Kammal, Diamond with roja, muthu with gold pettu etc.
It is woven on pit loom / raised pit loom. Border in extra Warp is controlled by dobby. Of late jacquard is used in case of bigger designs or korvai designs. For Kambi in corss border rib weave is woven with the help of healds itself. Thus the cross border looks same in face and back of the dhoti.
Pure Mulberry silk, normally obtained from Karnataka (Bangalore & Mysore) is used in wrap & Weft. Raw silk is degummed & bleached (locally known a Ushna) and used in Warp & Weft. Pure jari or Half fine (imitation Jari) is used in border and Pullu / Kambi, which is unique to this variety.
Salem Silk got its Geographical Indication tag in the year 2009.
