Large Banjara Square with Cowrie Shells

The nomadic Banjara people originated in North India yet moved to the Deccan Plateau in the South in the 17th Century. They once worked as carters during the development of the British Railways. Banjara Embroidery is known for it’s vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and the use of embellishments such as coins, cowrie shells, beads, mirror and metal. Angular zoomorphic and geometric designs are created on their pieces and often have cowrie shells around the edge of the textile. The Banjara’s embroidery are usually done with blue, yellow, and red cloth that are quilted.

This piece was made in the 20th Century and it is a large square that has cowrie shells affixed to the edge of all sides with a cluster of cowrie shells and metal hanging from the bottom.