Kachchh Embroidery - Tote Bag - Dhebaria Rabari - Current

A colourful tote bag that you can take anywhere! The front of the bag showcases traditional Dhebaria Rabari embroidered appliqué, using block printed Ajrakh patterns from a neighbouring community. The reverse side of the bag is covered with fine sebha stitchwork. All stitched by hand on a handwoven kala cotton base with its characteristic natural fleck. Each piece represents generations of textile heritage from the Kachchh region.

The embroidery of the Dhebaria Rabari (a tribal group living in the Kachchh Desert, India) is a distinct combination of stitch and appliqué. The aesthetic is immediately recognizable and unlike the work of any other group.

These embroideries bring the richness of desert cultures into your hands — heirlooms for the future. Each embroidery is a unique expression of the woman who made it.

Features: Single-sided appliqué embroidery with running stitch design on the back. Black cotton lining, inner zip pocket and two inner pouch pockets.

Size approx. 15" x 17", handle drop 11"

Note: Each embroidery piece is one of a kind.

*Embroidery varies - you will receive one of the two pieces shown.

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The language of stitches builds within a community over hundreds of years. It is a source of identity that is transferred from one generation to the next. It is learned in the same way a spoken language is learned; with children sitting beside the adults. In an oral culture the stitched language records everything of importance from the epic to the personal.

Maiwa works with embroiderers through many co-operative structures within India. The women embroider, design, market and innovate as entrepreneur artisans. The goal is financial self-determination and empowerment through education and a clear sense of the value of their work.

Meet the Artisans.