Hand embroidered Panel, Gala, Banjara-1836

Hand embroidered Panel, Gala, Banjara

Early 20^thcentury,

Dimensions – 29 X 21 CM

Hand Embroidered in Banjara style this nape covers that is locally known as Gala is a potholder, traditionally used by women to carry pots on their heads. It has 3 pieces to it: the ring, or indhoni, to hold the pot, the squares’ flap put on the ring, and the rectangular piece that is meant to hang down from the base of the pot to the base of the neck.

Banjaras or the nomadic tribes have a distinctive embroidery style and designs are either geometric or angularwhich is influenced by many cultures and locality. The embroidery and motifs are highly influenced by nature and surroundings. The clothes are embroidered with elaborate beadwork, mirror work, shells, ivory beads, and colorful threadswhich create an altogether that reflects a sense of insouciant that is so characteristic of theBanjara’s.

The Banjaras are a tribe of north Indian origin, who moved south into the Deccan plateau and states like Rajasthan and Gujarat during the seventeenth century.