What Is Eri Silk? The Peace Silk from Assam

In short: Eri silk is a natural silk from Assam in Northeast India. It is spun from the cocoons of the Eri silkworm after the moth has left, which is why it is often called peace silk or ahimsa silk. It feels soft and matte, almost like fine wool, and it keeps you warm when it is cool and cool when it is warm.

Where does Eri silk come from?

Eri silk comes from the cocoons of the Eri silkworm. Assam is the heart of Eri silk making, and spinning and weaving it is a household craft in many villages, often done by women.

Why is Eri called peace silk?

Most silk is reeled from cocoons before the moth emerges. Eri cocoons are open at one end, so the fibre cannot be reeled as one long thread. Instead, the moth is allowed to leave the cocoon, and the fibre is then spun by hand, much like wool or cotton. Because no silkworm is harmed to get the fibre, Eri is known as peace silk or ahimsa silk, and Dzukou calls it vegan silk.

What does Eri silk feel like?

• Soft and matte: a wool-like texture rather than the shiny surface of mulberry silk.
• Warm and breathable: it helps regulate temperature, so an Eri shawl can be worn all year.
• Gentle on skin: hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Gets softer with use: the fabric becomes softer every time you wear it.

How Dzukou makes Eri silk shawls

Dzukou's Eri silk shawls are handwoven by women weavers in rural Assam. The Timeless Silk and Silk Uncut shawls are coloured with natural dyes such as turmeric, charcoal and indigo, without harsh chemicals. Eri weaving is a rare craft that is under pressure from climate change and deforestation, and every shawl supports the artisans who keep it going.

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