Tribal Embroidery

The tribal groups in India has its own share of embroideries influenced by many cultures depicting the various themes. The Banjara embroidery is one of the most colorful and engaging craft work. The tribal women are working very hard to keep the legend of the Banjara embroidery alive by forwarding it to the coming generations.

The Banjara embroidery is the class by itself with the wide range and varied style and composition. Banjara embroidery mainly features vibrant colors. The motifs on their clothes are often embellished by the laces, beads, colorful threads and intricate mirror work. Their designs are free of complexity of thoughts and are need not to be necessary symmetrical. They are also known for the soft lace work that is taken up mainly by the women trained at home.

The patterns of the Banjara embroidery is oftenly represented by the square or rectangle form. Floral designs, animals or human figures are rarely created by them. Numerous embroidery techniques can be observed in Banjara embroideries such as the cross stitch, chain stitch, stem stitch, couching, appliqué, mirrors, kashida and quit stitch. They often decorate their fabrics with the buttons, leads, glass beads, coins, woolen tassels, cowry shells and threads.

Apart from the traditional skirts, blouses and men jacket the other products made by the Banjara embroidery includes purse, bags, cushion, pillow covers, quilts and wall hangings. Although with the invasion of the machines and technologies, the artwork is modified and the artisans are losing their age old vocation.