this area in gujarat, a state in western india borders pakistan and is home to over a dozen different gypsy/nomad tribes of varying origins (including one that has migrated from baluchistan)
and they all produce beautiful textile work, as i have recently discovered. although in the beginning the work looks similar, a closer look reveals the distinctive signature of each tribe.
they weave, tie&dye and embroider to create their art.
i've had some pieces for awhile, but a recent event, made me go a bit crazy and now there are many more in my cupboard that i am trying to understand. and i have gone nuts enuff to book a trip to the region next week. am planning to live with the rabari gypsies and am hoping ambitiously, to come back with a complete understanding about the region's textile art, its history and its people !
a "starter pack" of pictures of some of the pieces :
several tribes use mirrors - and sometimes large mirrors set in metal. the embroidery used here is a good neat example of the work of this type. the hanging triangles are made of 'mashru' material which is unique to this region.
this is probably a head gear that helps support the earthen or metal pot on the head. the tail piece seems to have some purpose i hope to discover soon. the camel wool tassels have natural dyes.
this is a head scarf - with embroidery on a square piece that has been tied and dyed first. each corner has a different design, and small cowries are real.
this blanket uses undyed sheep wool. created in two longitudinal parts and then stitched together. the weaver explained that this is because their looms are small (? - will find out why). this is the only piece of the set that i have posted, which is new.
this is a bridal veil for one of the tribes. also made in two longitudinal parts. first tie-dyed separately - then stitched together and then embroidered. the mismatch between the tie-dyed parts is visible.sometimes there also is a deliberate attempt to sabotage perfection in the embroidery - to 'avert the evil eye' called the 'nazarbattu' seen in pic1 on the left bottom. a third dimension is seen in this ludi - with a stuffed square pyramid on each flower (pic 3 which is not of the same ludi as in pic 1 and 2).
there's lots more .... but am not sure if there is interest enuff on this forum- so i shall rest for now !
jaina mishra
mumbai, india
