Through my: ORNA
“The curious fabric—the enigmatic orna/saree, just like a painter’s brushstroke, it delicately skimmed and gracefully draped over the curves of those who adorned it.”
To unveil the history of orna, we must explore deeper of its origin.
Around 321 BC, the Indus Valley Civilisation had already begun making clothings out of raw cotton, linen, and muslin. In those ancient days as the sun casts its golden rays upon the land, the skilled artisans of that era, adorned with ethereal smiles, sought to gossamer fabrics that would embrace their weavers with elegance and grace. In the realm of humble existence, Dhakai muslin graced the shoulders of the impoverished, with gratitude in their hearts, the fishermen’s wives would gather their catch of the day in the muslin, transforming it into a nourishing feast of fish and rice.
The threads of history weave a tale of magnificence and heritage, where the ancient artistry of the Indus Valley Civilisation melds harmoniously with the opulent splendour of the Mughal Empire; forever captivating hearts and igniting the imaginations of all who bare witness to its timeless allure.
-in her words, RT
Location: Dhaka; Gazipur, Bangladesh.
Art Director, Designer, and Photographer: Refaya Turshin