My favorite art to collect is Ethnographic. I’m excited to share with you my most recent finds from  India, Gujarat, Village of Dhebaria of the Rabari people. All of the items are from the 19th century.The craftsmanship and  attention paid to detail on the embroidered  and carved pieces is stunning! Exclusively available through Box of Crayons, for inquiries contact 917-553-4212.

India, Gujarat, Kutch- Rabari People

The Rabari people are mysterious to outsiders; their life style seems totally different from any other tribe in the area. Nowadays many foreigners do research on the Rabari people. The Rabari can be nomadic or semi-nomadic. Most of the time, they wander with their herds. In Kutch, there are about 2500 to 3000 Rabari families; 70% of which are nomads.

The Rabari people are tribes of nomadic camel drivers who were settled in the state of Gujarat, the west of India near Pakistan. The Rabari women excel at the art of the embroidery. Some of the textiles (for example the camel blanket) required 6 months of work for 2 woman. It was during their spare time that the women embroidered and passed on their know-how to the girls. Many of the pieces were made by young girls (assisted by the women in their family) for their dowry; the greater the collection of embroidered textiles in the dowry the more valuable  the bride is considered. However, the textiles are a material expression of their unique culture.

All the items shown are authentic antique artifacts of the Rabari people made for their own use.

Rajasthan India :

“Woman’s blouse” (mushroom embroidery ). A cloth that allows silk to be used on the exterior and cotton on the interior of a garment- A technique developed for and by Muslim people. Made by Rajput People. Rajasthan, India
32.5″x12″
Beautiful framed.

"Kadla"-Pair of metal anklets with engraved designs. The "Kadla" are important ornament given to the bride by groom's family at engagement time. From the village of Dhebaria of the Rabari people. Kutch, Gujarat India Diameter 4.5"- Beautiful Framed!

Double form wood carved with floral motifs, used for making chapatis (Indian bread) during the religious ceremonies. Jain people, Gujarat, India end of the XIX century. 19.5" x H 4. Great displayed as decorative item on a table , shelves, or a console.

"Double sided stone" for ayurdevic medecine. Fron Kutch, Gujarat, India, 7.5"x3"5.7"-------

"Sari"-An ornamental set for cleaning the ears and theeth. Silver. Given to the bride by groom's family at engagement time. From the village of Dhebaria of the Rabari people. Kutch, Gujarat India Length 4.5" Beautiful stitched on velvet and framed!

“Kothali” “dowry sack, cotton cloth, cotton thread, tassels, appliqué, quilted.Hand-Embroided.From the village of Dhebaria of the Rabari people. Kutch, Gujarat India
20″x 13.5″
Beautiful Framed.

“Cushion for the head”- Cushion worn when women carry large vessels of water or grain on the head. Hand-Embroided with pieces of mirror. From the village of Dhebaria of the Rabari people. Kutch, Gujarat India
6.5″x 3″x 9″– Great displayed framed in a shadow box.

Detail of Camel Blanket