Kutch Embroidery & Patchwork

A beautiful, intricate craft practiced by women of the Kutch region in Gujarat. This region has been renowned for its mirrored embroidery either on Mushroo silk or cotton. "Mirror work" of Kutch is in reality a whole range of varying styles, which present a richly textured map of regions and ethnic groups. Each style, a distinct combination of stitches, patterns and colors, and rules for using them, was shaped by historical, socio-economic and cultural factors. The women of the region undertook this beautiful and arduous task mostly for their own needs that included festivity, religious reasons or wealth generation. The various forms of embroidery include Abhla (Mirror Work), Ahir, Bakhiya, Bavariyo, Ganth Tako, Paako, Mukko, Mutwa, Neran and Sakri.