A Legacy In Leather: Craft Study on Chamba Chappla
The project aims to study the intricate system of the Chamba Chappal, a centuries-old craft from Himachal Pradesh, and identify the gaps within the craft’s ecosystem to propose interventions that enhance artisans' livelihoods, improve the craft process, and foster market accessibility while ensuring sustainability.
Team
Smriti
Smriti
Mentor
Smriti
Duration
Smriti
A Legacy In Leather: Craft Study on Chamba Chappal
The project aims to study the intricate system of the Chamba Chappal, a centuries-old craft from Himachal Pradesh, and identify the gaps within the craft’s ecosystem to propose interventions that enhance artisans' livelihoods, improve the craft process, and foster market accessibility while ensuring sustainability.
Team
Smriti, Meghna, Ritika, Madhushree
Duration
8 weeks
Introduction
The Chamba Chappal is a handcrafted leather footwear tradition passed down through generations in the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh, India. With a rich history spanning over 200 years, these chappals reflect the cultural identity and royal heritage of Chamba.
Despite their uniqueness, the artisans face challenges in terms of market access, recognition, and sustainability, with local competition and limited resources affecting their livelihoods. The project aimed to conduct an ethnographic study to understand the current system, including the sourcing, production processes, and lives of the craftsmen, and identify gaps for potential improvements.
Brief
The intention was to replace the existing on-premise product that Agility was using internally and make it cloud-based,
Challenges
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Low Market Visibility: The Chamba Chappal faces competition from other regional footwear like Mojris and Kolhapuris, making it difficult for local artisans to stand out.
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Limited Online Presence: Most sales occur in local markets, with minimal engagement through e-commerce platforms or social media, reducing opportunities for artisans to reach wider audiences.
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Lack of Innovation: The product.
Solution
The journey began with a deep observation of Old Delhi's streets, particularly the dense network of crisscrossing telephone wires that form an integral part of the cityscape. Photographs, sketches, and field visits were key to understanding the organic patterns created by these wires, and how they interact with the environment, capturing the essence of the city’s vibrancy and chaos.
System Study
The journey began with a deep observation of Old Delhi's streets, particularly the dense network of crisscrossing telephone wires that form an integral part of the cityscape. Photographs, sketches, and field visits were key to understanding the organic patterns created by these wires, and how they interact with the environment, capturing the essence of the city’s vibrancy and chaos.
Entire process and the solution
Step 1- Research Planning
Setting Objective- The project began by defining the primary goals, which included understanding the entire system of the Chamba Chappal—covering everything from sourcing and production to the artisans' lives, markets, and challenges.
Defining Areas of Research- The key areas of investigation were geography, demographics, the role of each family member, the process of the craft, economic activities, innovations, market conditions, and sustainability.
Step 2- Ethnography Research
Semi-Structured Interviews: One-on-one interviews were conducted with artisans in their workspaces, documented through notes, audio, video, and photography. The focus was on understanding their craft, challenges, and aspirations.
Observation: Spent several days in Chamba, observing the environment, workshops, and markets. Visits were made to stores and workshops to study the working conditions and social settings of the artisans.
Step 3- Process Documentation
The Chamba Chappal involves a meticulous process passed down through generations. The documentation of the craft process highlights every step, from sourcing raw materials to the finishing touches on the chappal.
Step 4- Craftsmen & their journey
The Chamba Chappal involves a meticulous process passed down through generations. The documentation of the craft process highlights every step, from sourcing raw materials to the finishing touches on the chappal.
Step 5- Data Analysis & insights
The Chamba Chappal involves a meticulous process passed down through generations. The documentation of the craft process highlights every step, from sourcing raw materials to the finishing touches on the chappal.
People
Planet
Profit
The Three Pillars Of Sustainability
Planet
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High water consumption in leather production.
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Chemical waste generated from leather processing.
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Scrap waste from chappal production.
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Non-degradable rubber soles.
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Leather dust from skiving causes pollution and respiratory issues.
People
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Small, poorly ventilated workspaces.
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Harmful adhesive fumes affect artisans' health.
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Lack of interest from the next generation to join the craft.
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Current artisans discourage their children from continuing the craft.
Profit
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Low profit margins due to wholesale pricing.
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Competition from other regional footwear like mojris and Kolhapuris.
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Low tourist traffic to Chamba.
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Limited recognition in e-commerce markets.
Step 6- Solution space
The Chamba Chappal involves a meticulous process passed down through generations. The documentation of the craft process highlights every step, from sourcing raw materials to the finishing touches on the chappal.
How will this project be carried out
