Conversations in Pipili: Stories behind the stitches.
Artisans share their craft, struggles, and spirit with the residents.
Walking into the homes and workshops of Pipili’s chandua artisans, the visit quickly turned into a dialogue rather than just a documentation exercise. The residents collected motifs and data, but what truly stood out were the stories the artisans chose to share.
They spoke openly about their experiences, the patience each stitch demands, the joy of keeping tradition alive, and the very real difficulties of sustaining themselves as chandua makers in a changing world. Listening to them, every motif felt less like a pattern on fabric and more like a reflection of lived realities.
These exchanges became a reminder that behind every design lies not only skill, but also resilience, memory, and hope. By engaging with the artisans directly, the residents weren’t just gathering information, they were building connections rooted in trust, respect, and shared curiosity.