 I visit and watch as each sack is emptied onto a conveyor belt, taking the cocoons through a hot air chamber that kills the pupa inside. Cocoons are then soaked in hot water to loosen the fibers, which are unraveled and spun into thread. In another room, deafening mechanical looms create wonderfully gauzy organza. I keep my hands over my ears, but the factory women don't have anything to protect their hearing and don't seem to notice the racket. Afterwards, I ask the factory owner why the women don't wear ear protection.