Two exhibitions are currently being held at Khamir in Kukma village near Bhuj, Kutch. Read about Rohi: stories of the shoemakers of Kutch here. The second exhibition is Tang Ke Sang which showcases the unique and characterful ply-split braiding technique traditional to North West India, in the form of both traditional items and innovative interpretations by renowned maker Erroll Pires. History and technique The ply-split braiding technique, locally called ‘guthna’ as the English name suggests, involves splitting the ply of wool or cotton chords and interlacing them to create a very strong fabric. This fabric is therefore perfect for camel girths, harnesses and decorations which are made using this technique chiefly in North West…
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Ahmedabad part 1: Calico, Bhandej, NID
Above image: Cloths hanging out to dry in front of slums on the banks of the Sabarmati river From Jaipur I took a train to Ahmedabad. Still not quite used to the train booking system (it is complicated!), I had left it too late and got probably the most inconvenient train which arrived at 2am. Two of our host students very kindly agreed to meet me, and it was a good job they had as I was in a deep sleep when they came on the train to wake me up, otherwise I’d have ended up in Mumbai! (I actually later realised the train had arrived earlier than its scheduled…
