Desi Oon: The Exhibition
Do you know that India is home to the third-largest population of sheep in the world? Seven crores of these woolly animals amble across the vast arid plains of western India, up and down the alpine shrubs and meadows of the Himalayas, and through the farms, forests and grasslands of the Deccan. Shepherded by diverse pastoralist communities and cultures, this impressive army of sheep is one of the tireless cogs of our economy; they provide wool to keep out the cold; fertilize vast agricultural fields with minimal costs; offer milk and meat for consumption; and hides for crafting products of great elegance and durability.
India is home to several climatic regions, soils, and hence ecosystems. Indian herders have bred sheep that are flawlessly adapted to their local conditions. There are 43 recognized native breeds by last count, reflecting the diverse ecologies and diligence of herders! Perhaps, after decades of romancing with the ubiquitous merino, which we get from distant sheep lands, we could begin to turn our gaze to, and feel the touch of Desi Oon once again?
Every sheep region has its own wool-craft ecosystem. A wide diversity of colour, texture, length and width of wool fibres have shaped signature products of each region. Living Lightly celebrates this versatile fibre and its remarkable diversity; it salutes the artisanship of our spinners, felters, dyers, and weavers; and brings together many initiatives that are working to promote the indigenous wool economies of India.
Desi Oon exhibition has gathered parables and products from different sheep-countries of India. Subscribe to our social media streams and stay engaged for a wooly-warm winter.
Desi Oon is a collaborative effort of pastoralists, artisans, activists, designers, and entrepreneurs associated with Mitan, Rangsutra, Khamir, Peoli, Avani, Earthen Tunes, Aana Jana and Kullvi WHIMS. The events and exhibitions under the Desi Oon umbrella are curated by the Living Lightly team and supported by the Centre for Pastoralism.
