The strong Kutchhi weaves, from Bhujodi
- An intriguing meticulous craft from the village of Bhujodi, Kutch, Gujarat has made waves in the Indian handicraft scene for centuries.
Bhujodi’s Kutcchi extra-weft weave, now commonly called ‘Bhujodi’, uses many colors of dyed yarn that is woven into intricate geometric patterns, traditionally heavy on the borders of the fabric. This weaving technique gives an embroidery-like impression on the fabric and makes for a bright, traditional style.
If one observes carefully and delves deeper into the relevance and significance of Bhujodi, the patterns woven into the fabric form motifs and patterns that are derived from the lives of the communities that reside in Bhujodi. ‘Chaumukha’ , a motif that faces all four directions, has originated from a folk deity of Rajasthan, Ramdev Pir. The ‘Dumroo’ motif is a representation of Lord Shiva. And the interesting ‘Vankia’ is drawn from a pattern made by a cow urinating while plowing a field.
A craft that started with the humble Dhabla, a wide blanket-like shawl, this weave has emerged into many designs and wears for the modern world. From handwoven shawls to lightweight cotton shirts, Bhujodi weaves are now a widely known weave throughout the world.
