One of the most beautiful things about the tribes of India is they produce most of clothes, pots and any other household items on their own.
Indian tribes
Stories from Gujarat
November 5, 2019
White desert
November 5, 2019MEETING THE TRIBAS
GUJARAT, INDIA
It is very easy to spot the Rabari Tribe women dressed in a dazzling colorful dresses which is a delightful contrast in comprising to dry background of India.
The word “Rabari” means the outsiders. Some claim this nomadic people are children of a dancing God, looked after by Lord Shiva. Stories passed down from generation to generation remained their primary form of wisdom and communication.
Married women wear white bangles from elbow to shoulder as well as jewelry like toe rings, anklets, earrings, nose rings and bracelets.
Being mostly of nomadic origins, the people here have always had very minimal shelters which guaranteed no security. No security at all.
Even today a traditional Jat woman can be seen wearing ½-1 Kg of fixed silver ornaments generally worn on ankles that works as way of investment, works like a bank.
The custom of wearing nostril piercing originated from the Middle East countries in the 16th century. Many women have gold nose piercings to show their social, tribal, and religious status in society. They pierce their left nostril regarding as an ideal position for the Ayurvedic belief associated with the female reproductive organs. It is generally believed that the left side reduces a menstrual pain while in future make the process of child birth easier.
Tattoos by different nomadic communities across the country have been used for diverse reasons as well as temporary tattoo art also has a deep rooted cultural connection which can be also detect on children.
Most of the tribal ladies from deferent nomadic groups are experts in needlework and fine embroidery using chain stitch to outline the patterns and decorate them with blistering mirrors.
I wanted to learn more about textiles, embroidery and block printing. How exciding!
EMBROIDERY AND BLOCK PRINTING
One of the printing styles is Ajrakh block printing, valued fabric and worn by Muslim and Dalit cattle herders in the villages of northern Kutch.
This domain is dominated by two castes – the Chhipas and Khatris.
This style of printing is used to make a host of Indian ethnic attire such as salwar kameez set- kurtis, chunris, men’s kurtas, dhotis, turbans and shawls as well as used for décor like textured wallpapers, cushion covers and bed spreads.
Block printing is practiced mostly by men, but generally almost the whole village is involved in the practice. In awareness of climate change and globalisation they are working only with eco-friendly material.
I tried one of the techniques my self and must admit It takes a lot of time before the fabric is fully printed by hand. For me just to finish two lines took me around 20minutes. There was at least two hundred lines to accomplish the work.
The authentic Ajrak is usually about 2.5-3meters in length and is printed on both sides.
All process involves over 14/16 stages and takes more than a week to create the finishing product.
A profound feelings awaken when you see how much effort has been involved in the process of development.
For the price of less than 20euros you get the most beautiful thing you will ever lay eyes on given directly from the artist, cherish it.
“A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera.”
– Dorothea Lange