Lambani/ Banjara Embroidery of Karnataka

Sandur Lambani Embroidery is a special type of needlecraft done only by women. The garments of the Lambanis reflect their love of life, and have evolved over the centuries to suit local climatic and social conditions. Traditionally, men wore simple clothes without any embroidery. In contrast, the women dressed colourfully and elaborately with accessories made of silver, brass, white metal and bone. The method of using small bits of material (cloth) and attaching them to make up the whole garment is unique to the Lambanis, and is called patchwork. The patchwork is intricate and beautifully executed. At each joint, the patchwork ends in a series of tiny triangles along the seam, which are made by folding the material.  The traditional Lambani dress, comprising a skirt (“lehanga”), blouse (“choli”) and veil (“odhni”), is richly embroidered and decorated with ornaments. The traditional outfit is so elaborate that it takes a Lambani woman about a year to make a complete set.