This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

Details Also known as Ganesha, Siddi Vinayak is a beloved Hindu god with the head of an elephant, also known as the Remover of Obstacles. In this expressionist painting from India, Ganesha embraces one of his devotees, surrounded by beautiful floating flowers. Sunil Jaiswal draws inspiration from his Hindu roots in presenting this elegant painting. 0.12 kgs 0.3 lbs 40.5 cm W x 50.5 cm H 16" W x 20" H Metric US/Imperial Oil on canvas Arrives unframed Unstretched Signed by the artist Made in India Certified and shipped by our office in India Product ID: 278703

Learn about the tradition of Siddi quilts and how well-worn and discarded clothing becomes the visual history of a family and helps provide a source of income for women of the Siddi communities in India.

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

This Indo-African community showed me a new 'face' of India!

The Siddi People are the African population that has been in India and Pakistan for the last 600 years. Read out the full story at Face2Face Africa!

Here are examples of artistic expression from two isolated communities of the African diaspora. The quilters of Gee’s Bend, Alabama are fairly well-known here in the United States. Especial…

Gold(14K) : 3.50gRose-cut Diamonds : 1.28ctGemstone : Cultured Pearls925 SilverOther : Red Enamel

The Siddi People are the African population that has been in India and Pakistan for the last 600 years. Read out the full story at Face2Face Africa!

The Siddis who live in Karnataka, India are of African descent. Siddis women craft dynamic quilts, which they make for their children ...

Join Jen and learn her tips for making a Kawandi style quilt entirely on your sewing machine! This technique is all the fun of traditional Kawandi quilting, but without all the handwork. PDF pattern for class project will be sent upon registration.  Students will be making a 12" by 18" placemat.  This is a Live class that meets virtually via Zoom on Sunday June 23rd from 10am-2pm EST. Link will be sent 24 hours prior to class.  The class will be recorded, and the recording will be available for students to watch for 30 days after class.  Teacher: Jen Strauser Level: Beginner.  Must know how to use a sewing machine. Required Supplies: 1 Fat quarter backing fabric 1 - 12" x 18" batting 4-5 fat quarters or equivalent scraps for top Sewing machine Rotary cutter Iron Your preferred sewing thread

The Siddi People are the African population that has been in India and Pakistan for the last 600 years. Read out the full story at Face2Face Africa!

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

The Siddi People are the African population that has been in India and Pakistan for the last 600 years. Read out the full story at Face2Face Africa!

This book was written in the 1860s, when reliable information about Hinduism was just starting to filter back to the west. Jacolliot was searching for the roots of western esoteric traditions in the far East. The high point of this book is the travelogue of his encounters in India with a fakir, who demonstrates his siddis (yogic powers) exuberantly. There is also an extensive discourse on Kabbalah, and its relationship to Eastern mystical beliefs. Jacolliot was a diffusionist, and he believed that many western esoteric traditions, specifically Egyptian, Jewish and Christian, had their origin in India.

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards.

Do you know anyone anyone of African origin who are living as Indian citizens? Well, in all probability they might belong to the Siddi tribe, a unique culture. Read more to know more about them.

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

Outside the gates, the Emperor's retinue wait with his horses; made for Emperor Akbar (r.1556-1605);

Join Jen and learn her tips for making a Kawandi style quilt entirely on your sewing machine! This technique is all the fun of traditional Kawandi quilting, but without all the handwork. PDF pattern for class project will be sent upon registration.  Students will be making a 12" by 18" placemat.  This is a Live class that meets virtually via Zoom on Sunday June 23rd from 10am-2pm EST. Link will be sent 24 hours prior to class.  The class will be recorded, and the recording will be available for students to watch for 30 days after class.  Teacher: Jen Strauser Level: Beginner.  Must know how to use a sewing machine. Required Supplies: 1 Fat quarter backing fabric 1 - 12" x 18" batting 4-5 fat quarters or equivalent scraps for top Sewing machine Rotary cutter Iron Your preferred sewing thread

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

Amazing work from the Siddi Women's Quilt Cooperative, Siddis are African Indians of Northern Karnataka. Available from - Henry John Drewal All income after expenses goes to the cooperative for educational, health and agricultural needs.

I attended an event at the Smithsonian this weekend called Asia After Dark: Afro-Asiatic Mash-Up. Held in the meditative Moongate garden, the evening featured a “mash-up” of Japanese vo…

An African-origin ethnic tribe of about 20,000 people has been living in near total obscurity in India for centuries.

Do you know anyone anyone of African origin who are living as Indian citizens? Well, in all probability they might belong to the Siddi tribe, a unique culture. Read more to know more about them.

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.

Learn about the tradition of Siddi quilts and how well-worn and discarded clothing becomes the visual history of a family and helps provide a source of income for women of the Siddi communities in India.