Every Wednesday for the past twelve years, the basement of St. Paul’s East Side Freedom Library has echoed with the rhythmic clack of looms. This summer, the space welcomed eight Karen teens from the Karen Organization of Minnesota’s annual weaving youth camp for a five‑week program focused on traditional backstrap weaving.
Learning a heritage skill
Program coordinator Hta Thi Yu Moo explained that the circle aims to empower young Karen weavers, showcase their work, and keep the craft alive in Minnesota. The participants, most of whom are beginners, spent hours at their looms creating shoulder bags, skirts and other hand‑woven items.
Fourteen‑year‑old Thesayla Bay was hesitant to join at first, but her mother—who wove in Thailand—encouraged her, and a friend’s invitation sealed the decision. “It’s chill with friends, but if I was alone I would’ve done it faster,” Thesayla said, noting she will return next year if her friend does.
Family ties and perseverance
Fifteen‑year‑old Elleshana Htoo, whose mother and grandmother have woven for decades, described the experience as a lesson in patience. “I feel really proud of myself,” she said, adding she hopes to try more complex patterns next year.
Thesayla reflected on the effort required, noting the physical strain of the craft: “It takes a lot of time and effort and labor to do this, and my body is sore!” The backstrap technique relies on the weaver’s body tension, controlled by a strap wrapped around the waist while seated on the floor.
Experienced hands guide newcomers
Some participants arrived with prior experience. Thaw Thaw Htoo, 13, learned weaving from her aunt in a Thai refugee camp and even brought a hand‑woven dress to Minnesota. She chose a more challenging design, completing two bags and working on a third, proudly stating, “I also weave at home with my mom.”
Three master weavers supervised the circle, moving among the looms to correct mistakes and offer guidance. One of them, Paw Kaw Yee, has woven since her teenage years in the Noh Poe camp in Thailand. She emphasized the importance of passing the tradition to the next generation: “We keep our heritage alive, just like our parents kept it alive. I hope they will teach others when we get too old.”
Preserving culture in Minnesota
The weaving circle not only provides a creative outlet for Karen youth but also strengthens community bonds and preserves a cultural practice that might otherwise fade. By learning from elders and sharing the craft with peers, these teenagers help ensure that the art of Karen backstrap weaving endures in the Twin Cities for years to come.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
