Namda/ Felting of Gujarat

Woollen namdas are prepared by the Pinjara and Mansuri community of Kutch. They are made in locally available desi wool. Impurities in the locally purchased wool are removed by hand and the wool is then spun and dyed in yellow, orange, red, maroon, blue, and black. The wool is turned into ropes by rolling it on the surface of an inverted pot. It is then converted into attractive wall hangings, horse and camel saddles, torans, caps, and floor covering.

The dhurries are floor coverings made from wool and cotton textiles. The warp is always in cotton of 2x 10 counts, and the patterns are of horizontal stripes.

Although the craft of making felted rugs originated from Central Asia, It has been carried forward as a legacy by the communities in Kutch, Gujarat. The Pinjara and Mansuri families in Kutch are skilled in the technique of felting. The base fabric of these rugs is made from wool, over which patterns are woven. The most unique aspect of the Kutchi namda is the unique inlay patterns. The namda pieces are often embellished with tassels.