CHAPTER I . EMBROIDERY
Kutch Embroidery
The identity of every Kutchi community and person is woven in the stitches of these colourful embroideries.
FROM MOTHER TO DAUGHTER
In the Gujarat state of India, the Kutch region is renowned for its fine folk, colourful and mirrored embroideries. Traditionally stitched by village women, for themselves and their families, to create festivity, honor deities, or generate wealth, this craft has passed on for generations from mother to daughter.
While embroideries contributed to the substantial economic exchange required for marriage and fulfilled other social obligations (which required gifts - unlike most crafts) they were never commercial products.
ONE COMMUNITY, ONE STYLE
Each community in Kutch, due to historical, socio-economic and cultural factors, has a distinct tradition, its own and unique style of embroidery, different motifs, combination of stitches, patterns and colours that give them a visual identity. Even a person’s social status can be identified through the embroidery he or she wears.
The identity of every Kutchi person is woven in the stitches of these embroideries. Things seen in daily lives: flowers and bushes, peacocks and camels, women doing household chores and men tending to cattle, all these are inspirations for these beautiful designs.
Trying to respond to the current trends, the traditional styles have evolved over time though.