Desert Arts and Peoples

This chopad board was embroiderred by a Rabari woman from Kutch, a remote desert region of western India. Rabaris are nomadic herders. Originally th e her ded camels for the royalty and acted as trusted messengers of kings. Rabari women are very industrious and independent. Gathered

together during leisure afternoon and evening hours, women embroider garments to adorn

themselves and their children, and utilitarian and decorative pieces to fill family members'

dowries.

Rabari women use a particular embroidery style unique to their community. Mirrored and labour-intensive, this style is claimed to be so durable that the stitching will outlive the cloth. Rabari embrodidery, like chopad, is very old and seems to have roots that trace to early wanderings outside India.

White chopad pieces are usually wooden, the pieces of this set were adapted from another desert art They are supari, betel nut, which women cover in crochet for auspicious home decorations, adding a mirror at the bottom to ward off the evil eye.

Kala Raksha, a grass roots organization of Kutch, encourages women artisans to embroider traditional objects and styles with an innovative twist to make contemporary products. The The Trust follows socially responsible, fair trade practices. Women price their own work as well as have creative freedom in ddesigning. Thirty percent of the price you pay for a Kala Raksha product directly to the artisan for her workmanship. To learn more about Kala Raksh visit our website: www.kala-raksha.org