embroidered panel

papaya

hoya

Fruits of Arakan

EMB0216

During the COVID lockdown, Rohingya embroidery artisans were asked to embroider their favorite fruits since it was an easy task to follow through without supervision. The project is also a way to find out what type of trees, fruits and vegetables were used in the daily lives of Rohingyas and whether or not they find the same things at camp. As a result, the female artists drew these pictures where they not only embroidered their favorite fruits, but also practiced their skills by drawing other objects. People of Arakan believed a green surrounding helps to build a healthy lifestyle. Most Rohingya men are farmers and the community is closely connected to nature which they believe was passed on from their forefathers. Shomjida practised her drawing skills by embroidering different fruits. She drew hoya (papaya), tetul (tamarind), mitha hodu (pumpkin), kela (bananas), baki (cantaloupe), hola (orange) and aanash (pineapple).