Themes
tribal clothing and textiles
NAMDA AND GABBA CRAFT, jammu & kashmir
Namda and Gabba are two traditional crafts in Jammu Kashmir, which create unique designs in felted and embroidered wool. Namda refers to a style of wool rugs or mats made of felt with strong vibrant colors, while Gabba is found with the embroidery techniques on pure wool. Pehol is used as functional or decorative item by the Gujjar-Bakerwal. Some displays of elaborate floral and geometric patterns which define the cultural pride and esteem of traditional Kashmiri art.
The Gujjar-Bakerwals are semi-nomadic people of Jammu and Kashmir, who live in pastoralism and herd livestock across rugged terrain. This tribe has strong roots in ancient craftsmanship, it is known for the production of Namda and Gabba textiles, which are great in terms of warmth and beauty. These handicrafts prove the adaptability and craftiness of the tribe in availing itself of the resources that are locally available, to manufacture objects of daily use with cultural importance.
Local wool is used to make Namda and Gabba crafts, usually dyed in natural pigments. For Namda, wool is felted by piling up layers of raw wool and compressing them to produce dense, flat rugs. Gabba is created by embroidering a similar woolen foundation with colored threads in bright colors like red, green, and blue. The use of wool and natural dyes does not only add strength but also aesthetic beauty to these rugs with genuine local designs.
Both Namda and Gabba crafts are used for functional and aesthetic purposes. Namda mats are floor coverings that are used to add warmth and comfort to homes, particularly in winter. Gabba rugs, which have embroidered designs, are also floor coverings and are hung during festivals and celebrations to reflect the artistic ability of the tribe. The strength and warmth of these products make them indispensable to everyday life in the cold regions of Jammu & Kashmir.
To the Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe, Namda and Gabba craft is not merely a utilitarian object; it is an icon of culture to be transmitted across generations. Namda and Gabba craft maintains traditional method and artistry that reinforces tribal identity and social relationships within the community. Further, the complex patterns on Namda and Gabba rugs are a rich palette of cultural heritage, providing the tribe with a platform to convey their artistry and disseminate the same to broader viewers through trade and local celebrations.