Banjara Embroidery

This cotton on cotton embroidery was made in Karnataka, India by Banjara embroiderers in the early 20th century. Its bright colors and geometric designs are typical of Banjara embroidery work. Embroiderers will sometimes add cowrie shells or mirrors to their designs, and the maker of this work has added cowrie shells to the bottom of this piece.

The Banjara people are generally from the northwestern Indian subcontinent (roughly from the Indian state of Rajasthan to Afghanistan), but now live throughout India. Historically semi-nomadic, their embroideries tend to be functional and sturdy as well as being beautiful. Banjara embroiderers tend to work in chain, satin, or herringbone stitch to create very geometric designs that are often so dense that the underlying textile is no longer visible.