Kachchh Shawls

The weavers of Kachchh claim a 500 year old history in the region and are originally from Rajasthan. The art of weaving shawls woven with motifs have been passed down through

generations of artisan communities. They were originally made from local desi wools and were traditionally worn as veils. Artisans continue to design and produce shawls for the local market as their shawls are widely worn throughout Kachchh in the winter months and are recognized today as Kachchhi Shawls for their intricate woven patterns, tight weaving and embellishments with tie-dye and embroidery.

The shawl featured here incorporates the traditional motifs inspired by Deshi Dhabda (The woolen blanket). This stole is the small size version of Kachchh Shawl.

There are currently 1200 weavers who work in 210 villages in Kachchh; 800-900 practice the craft full time. Approximately 2,400 women are engaged in preparatory and finishing processes.

Today, Kachchh Shawls are famous, the origin of the weaving was from the 'Dhadba' or what the Kachchhchis call the 'Hiragiriyu', which is a typical design style of the dhabda. These motifs and techniques along with the ones used in the traditional shoulder cloths and female veil cloths evolved into the modern day shawls and stoles that are a major tourist buy in Kachchh today. The dhabda is made in cotton and acrylic too now in addition to wool and is bought by tourists as a rug, decorative wall hanging or as a sofa or bedcovering.