Rabari embroidery is unique to the nomadic Rabaris. Essential to Rabari embroidery is the use of mirrors in a variety of shapes. Rabaris outline patterns in chain stitch, then decorate them with a regular sequence of mirrors and accent stitches, in a regular sequence of colors. Rabaris also use decorative back stitching, called bakhiya, to decorate the seams of women's blouses and jackets. The style, like Rabaris, is ever evolving, and in abstract motifs Rabari women depict their changing world. Contemporary bold mirrored stitching nearly replaced a repertoire of delicate stitches --which Kala Raksha revived.
Material - Cotton
Art/Craft/Technique - Rabari Embroidery
Kala Raksha is committed to excellent quality and eco-friendly, natural materials. The Trust also strives to maximize local production, creating a network that benefits Kutchi artisans. Where local production is not possible, raw materials are procured from other artisan groups. Most of our textile products begin with 100% cotton and wool handloom. Our 100% matka silk is produced by a cooperative in Bihar.
The handloom fabric is dyed locally with natural dyes brewed from roots, flowers, leaves and fruits. Labor intensive, these dyes are beautiful and non harmful to the dyers and you.
Finally, our products are hand embroidered by KALA RAKSHA' s highly skilled women artisans in our hallmark subtle tonal color ways. The embroidery and patchwork motifs draw on the rich traditions of the artisans' native styles. Many designs are passed down from family members; some have been revived by inspiration from KALA RAKSHA' s permanent collection; some are the contemporary...
