Maroon Embroidered Pouch

Lambani

India is an abode to some of the most prolific art forms and art styles of the world. From wall carvings to textile designs to dance forms, one can always hope for being spell bounded when striding through the rich culture of the Golden Bird. India was known for its vast and uncanny range of fabric market and textile designs in ancient times. One such textile art that still charms and leaves in awe is Lambani embroidery.

A Backdrop In Snippet

The seat of the famous Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi, of the 14th century can be found scattered over a vast area amongst dense vegetation and boulders in the form of ruins. In this ruin, ages ago, Lambanis lived in their intriguing kaleidoscopic dresses adorned with mirrors, coins, shells and propagated their art.

Lambani – An Art To Be Nurtured

Lambanis, which were popular in ancient times by Banjaras, were initially from Marwar. The women of this tribe, probably, were used to wear one of the most elaborate and vibrant dresses. These women practised a unique embroidery craft known as lapo or Lambani. This textile art involved stitching of mirrors, decorating beads, cloth patches, and coins on the clothes. The fabric used in the making was cotton and khaki, which tribal women themselves made. The stitching of these mirrors and coins holds historical importance. Back in those days, it was this style that was used to scare away animals.
The important point to note here is that the Lambani art is commonly mistaken with Kutchi or Kachhi embroidery. But the singular style of stitching shells and coins to every piece of textile gives it its uniqueness. The other most vital singularity of the Lambani art is the range of stitches it uses. There are 14 types of stitches: Kilan, vele, Bakkya, Maki, Surakanti Maki, Tera Dora, Kaudi, Relo, Gadri, Bhuriya, Pote, Jollya, and Nakra. In addition to this, Lambani mainly involves geometric shapes and uses over 13 types of organic colors, out of which red and blue are the most common.

The Lambani Artisans – Fall And Rise

Lambani artisans, over the period when many arts disappeared, steadfastly stuck with their art forms and their propagation. However, in the British era, because of tribal rule, they were forced to adopt farming and other occupations. But after freedom, most of the artisans once again opted for Lambani. Lambani art was originally practised by women and was limited to the making of ghagra and cholis. With the vast expansion and a dramatic increase in global demand, even men picked up this art. Today, textiles and a wide range of products like bedsheets, jewellery, various wall decors, tapestries, cushion covers, and much more are made using Lambani.

Maintenance & Care

• 100% cotton
• Gently wash with mild detergents.
• Hand wash cold.
• Wash dark colours separately.
• Handcrafted products and natural dye are prone to colour bleeding, handle with care.