Kothali dowry bag
Name/Title
Kothali dowry bagEntry/Object ID
2024.9.5Description
Kothali dowry bag made of white cotton fabric with panels of various colorful floral and geometric appliqués, and embroidery motifs using basic running stitches and chain stitches. Edge trimmed in black binding.Use
Created by brides to hold dowry items for husband's family.Context
A Kothali is a smaller version of the Kothalo, a rectangular dowry sack which is elaborately embroidered and sometimes quilted at the top, and used to carry dowry items to in-laws. These bags were made by Rabari women, a culture of nomadic herders who now live scattered throughout the Kutch, Saurashtra, and North Gujarat regions of Gujarat State in India, and in western and southern Rajasthan State. Rabaris are divided into distinct territory-specific subgroups with certain distinguishable traits, but who share common beliefs and values, and have a common heritage and sense of identity. In Rabari marriage culture, both bride price and dowrys are required. The dowry is usually made up of livestock, kitchen utensils, cash, clothing, and embroidery, given to the groom's family in these bags. Rabari embroidery is characterized by chain stitches in bright colors. Embroideries made for marriage are particularly bright and sparkling, denoting marriage as a bright and celebratory moment. Embroidery styles vary from subgroup to subgroup, and motifs have specific meanings related purposes, and together can be used to tell stories of the past and present.Category
Bags, Embroidery