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Banjara Needle work is a local tribal craft
practised by the 'Banjaras' (tribals) of Telangana Region. It differs from
the embroidery of Gujarati and Kutch Banjara. It has a style of its own,
the originality and brightness are accentuated by its matchless quality.
Needlework is an integral part of this craft and patterns are basic
geometric combinations, squares, triangles and diamonds.
A
Multihued Blend
The Banjaras produce exuberant embroideries using colourful threads. All
they need is a piece of cloth and a needle and their imagination gets
going. Intricate stitches in vibrant colours and the use of beads, shells
and mirrors conjure a magic created by nimble fingers.
The distinctive feature of their work is the extensive use of mirrors. A
rich appearance is created by filling the background with simple chain
stitch, herringbone, long and short stitch. Typical items include cushion
covers, bags, skirts, 'kurtas', dress sets for girls and women, blouse
pieces, bedspreads and other household furnishings.
The Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh with
its sustained market promotion is revitalising the art by improving the
quality and standard of work by assisting them in procuring better raw
material.