Ghongadi Dhurries and Blankets of Karnataka

Ghongadi dhurries and blankets are woven from yarn derived from the hair of desi/indigenous genus of sheep. Pastoralist shepherds of Southern Maharashtra and Karnataka sheer their desi sheep to provide this wool.  The  colours of the wool are usually not dyed and retain the natural colours of the sheep. The natural thermal qualities of the wool retain warmth and preserve insulation. When washed the dhurries and blankets do not shrink and the colours do not fade. Quite to the contrary repeated washing makes them more supple, softens the fibre and strengths the weave. Ghongadi is said to have therapeutic properties when used.