J.H.Terry

Textiles of the Banjara | Antique Banjara Applique 'Pulia'

This is a very nice 'pulia' or neck covering, used when hauling water pots balanced on the heads of Lambani Banjara women. It was a daily task for the Banjara both in nomadic and village life. Their pride in embroidery skills were displayed in such artifacts, and has now become a lost art. This example dates to around 1930 and is from one of the Lambani Banjara groups of South India. The work is of appliqued cotton and cotton embroidery, using buttonhlole, running and darning stitches. All of the dyes used are from organic sources. As is usual for such pieces, it has been embellished with crowie shells around the exterior. It is a fine example in excellent condition, and it has been washed and is ready for display. The piece measures 13"ht x 9"wd. A very nice collectable example in fine condition. Price on Request