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The crafts of Sindh and its craftsmen are held in high esteem and their works are notable not only in Sindh but also in many other places. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
The history of pottery in the Sindh region originates from Indus Civilization. The pottery is breathtakingly beautiful. Vessels are painted with the colours of the rainbow and then glazed with earth called "channioh" which imparted lustre and brightness to the finished products. These vessels are used for both decorative and cooking purposes. In old days the utensils, pots etc. were made from pottery.
Blue Pottery:
Kashi tiles: The production of kashi tiles is very old in Sindh, these tiles are famous from Hala and Nasarpur. [6]
Lungi: made of silk, cotton and wool, in both bright and soft colours with beautifully woven broad borders of silver and gold thread. [7] The use of bright, bold and vibrant colors with gold zari on the Lungi make its worth and significance. [8]
Sussi: Sussi is a term for multicolored striped or checked cloth produced mainly in Hala, Hyderabad and Thatta, Sindh. [9] [10] Sussi is thin handloom fabric made of cotton, silk, or a blend of the two, with colored warp stripes. Sindh region was known for its production and exports during the Mughal period. Sussi was most often made with red and blue, blue and white, or green and white stripes, but other patterns were also produced. The fabric was exported to England, where sousaes were in great demand in the 18th century. [11] Sussi are used for women trousers or for skirts.
Sindhi khadi/thari shawls: these are handwoven khadi shawls worn in winters, these are most beautiful usually in black and white colors with multi color stripes, other colors are also used for making these shawls. [12] [13] [14]
Loi/Loee: these are simple handwoven lightweight winter shawls, these are made usually in cream colors. [15]
Farasi/Pharasi: traditional Sindhi weaved rugs. [16] [17]
Khes: traditional Sindhi shawls and rugs. [16] [18]
Khatho: traditional woolen shawls, worn in winter season to keep warm. [19] [16]
Kaleen/Gilim/Galicho: Sindhi carpets made in tharparker.
Other weaving items are: darree, oonr, pachko etc. [15]
Ajrak: a traditional block printed shawl of Sindh, ajrak displays many special designs and patterns made using wooden stamps, and dyed with both vegetable dyes and mineral dyes, madder and indigo are important.
Maleer: is block printed shawl used by women, nowadays so many designs of maleer are used as dress.
Ralli: a traditional quilts of Sindh. The tradition of ralli/rilli making is very old in Sindh. The word ralli is derived from the sindhi word "ralanna", which means (to mix and connect). The ralli is made by placing many layers of cloth, one upon the other. The lowest layer is called "tah" mostly of bright and dark colors, with either applique or patchwork on top layer making amazing geometrical designs, patterns, motifs and objects on top layer. The layers are sewn together by simple running stitch called "kunh".
Rallis are usually used as lightweight coverlet, it can also be used as a prayer mat (musallo), floor covering, or used as a cover for things. Almost every house in Sindh have collection of rallis, usually made by the women of house for everyday use. The rallis are also given as dowry to daughters, the small piece of ralli for babies is called "rilko". In Sindh, two different types of ralli are made, the applique (tuk) ralli and the patchwork ralli.
Ghadelo: The traditional mattress used for sitting and sleeping.
Sawarh: Traditional blanket used in the cold season.
Bandhni or bandhno is a tie and dye technique art on a cloth, it is believed that bandhani art orignated from Sindh. Bandhani art of Sindh is as old as the block printing art of Sindh, both arts were practiced in Indus valley civilization. Bandhani is traditionally used for making skirts, long wide veils and Sarees. Lār region and thar desert of Sindh are famous for Bandhni making. [20]
Sindh is well known for its embroideries and mirrorwork. There are various stitches and embroideries throughout Sindh.
Gaj: are solid embroidery with mirrorwork, pompoms, sequins, cowries, shells, beads and buttons over the woman's shirt it usually covers the area, starting from neck up to the stomach. It incorporates variety of stitches and colors. Sometimes, it is made on separate piece of cloth and then attached to the garment.
Bujki: traditional Sindhi embroidered dowry purse for bride. [21]
Bokhano: a long embroidered narrow scarf worn on shoulders by grooms. [22] [23]
Doshalo: a heavy embroidered shawl for groom on wedding day, that he wears over his shoulders. [24]
Gothro: is traditional embroidered sack, used for putting stuff and materials. [22]
Thalposh: is a coverlet, it is embroidered cover for food, fruits etc. [22] [25] [24]
Jhalposh: another type of coverlet used for the foods items. [26]
Woodcarving is done in Shikarpur, many intricate designs are made on wood for doors, beds, etc. [27]
Lacquer work, or (Jandri/Jandi jo kam) is one of the most beautiful arts on wood. Almost all the material for Sindhi craftsmen came from the River Indus. The wood from the trees on its bank was used for carvings and furniture beautifully decorated with lacquer work. The object was coated with a fine powder and polished. Traditional designs were outlined with paint and filled with bright and beautiful colours. After they dried they were varnished with shellac. A traditional swing called Pingho or Hindoro, traditional wooden beds Khats, sofas, chairs, vases, utensils and lamps are some of the famous items made in Jandri art. [1]
There are so many villages in Sindh which have many artisans, who use local things to make handicrafts. Khairpur and Sukkur districts are renowned for its date palm gardens. Apart from producing different date products, many locals make use of leaves and branches of palm trees to make numerous basketry products, the women of these districts, use date leaves, branches of plants, wheat husk, dried grains, and other materials to make amazing handicrafts. [28]
Many items are made like Chabiyu, Pindiyu/Dabeki (plate for bread roti), hotpots, mats, hand fans etc., these items are also decorated with colorful pompoms, metallic thread and sometimes with mirrors.
Artisans manufactured many fine things in leather in earlier centuries. Coverlets, hangings, bed and table covers and ornamental shields and bucklers. The finest camel coverings called "Nuhs" and horse trappings in leather worked with silver thread were highly esteemed for their workmanship. [29] [30]
Shoes: Sindhi jutti and Sindhi khusso and Mojri are traditionally made from leather with various embroideries, beads etc. on them. Sindhi mochis were famous for making these shoes.
Bamboo work: Bamboo sticks are used for making furniture, traditional curtains, and wall hanging with mirrors and decorations. Also Bamboo homes and local restaurants are made. [31] In rural Sindh a traditional chair called "Moorho" and table are made from chusquea culeou bamboo, put together with reeds and straw. [32]
Beadwork: Beadwork (Motin jo kam) is used in many things, like jewelry, Sagi/Choti, keychains, pens, Agath, for decorations on busses and rickshaws. [33] [34]
Jewelry: the jewelry and ornaments making craft of Sindh is really ancient since Indus valley civilization, different material and metals like Silver, Gold, Bronze, Copper, Brass, "Aaj" Ivory, plastic, glass, "Kodd, Sippi" seashells, Kanjhi were used to make jewelries in Sindh, in ancient times the jewelry were also used to be made of clay, wood, stone, iron etc, various designs, precious stones, gems, beads etc were used on such materials. Today, Gold is most desirable metal among Sindhis, but Silver, Plastic, Glass etc is also used for everyday ornaments, which are beautifully carved in Minakari, Moti, Maniya, Manka, Manak, Heera, Burra etc. The glass bangles of Hyderabad and plastic bangles of Thar are also famous. The Sindhi women wear alot of jewelries, the men also used to wear alot jewelries, also the jewelries for animals like cows, camels, horses etc are so many, also the decorations, ornate pieces for vehicles and transportation is also very ancient art of Sindh, which even today can be seen on the buses, boats, rickshaws and bullocks. The trend for wearing alot of jewelries has been declined in Sindh. The traditional Sindhi jewelries are: [35]
Applique work: Tuk jo kam is done on clothes and on other stuff.
Camel barber art: the hair on camel's skin is trimmed to make amazing patterns on it. This art of camel hair cut is done mostly in desert regions of Sindh, sometimes black color and henna is also used to make different designs. [37] [38]
Copper bells: metal bells are made for cattle and other animals; these are used all over Sindh for animals.
Ivory work/Shell work: In past Ivory carved jewelry for women and ivory carved wooden furniture and other ivory products were quite common in Sindh, ancient port city Bhambhore had worlds largest ivory workshop discovered in the world, [39] also in Hyderabad and Karachi seashell products are still made. [40] [41] This ancient ivory work has been almost died, but seashell and plastic bangles resembling of ivory are still made in lower part of Sindh.
Sindhi Khat: the Khat or charpai is a traditional woven bed of India and Pakistan, but Sindhi khats have their own uniqueness, these are made of different styles, patterns, designs and material. The small khat is called "Manjhi". [42]
Sindhi Traditional Doll: Sindhi doll called guddi/guddo(f/m) is traditional way of making dolls from white cloth sewn in human shape, and stuffed with cotton or small pieces of cloth, these were made to be played by kids. [43] [44] now a jute made dolls are also made.
Sindhi Sagi/Choti: Sagi/Choti is an hair accessory used by Sindhi women and Punjabi women as well to tie their hairs into braids, it is made of many colors, beads, pompons, shells, mirrors etc, traditionally some Sindhi women also used a silver or gold jewelry on braids as well. [45]
Sindhis are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group who speak the Sindhi language and are native to the Sindh province of Pakistan. The historical homeland of Sindhis is bordered by the southeastern part of Balochistan, the Bahawalpur region of Punjab and the Kutch region of Gujarat. Having been isolated throughout history, unlike its neighbours, Sindhi culture has preserved its own uniqueness.
Bandhani is a type of tie-dye textile decorated by plucking the cloth with the fingernails into many tiny bindings that form a figurative design. Today, most Bandhani making centers are situated in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sindh, Punjab region and in Tamil Nadu where it is known as Sungudi. It is known as chunri in Pakistan. Earliest evidence of Bandhani dates back to Indus Valley civilization where dyeing was done as early as 4000 B.C. The earliest example of the most pervasive type of Bandhani dots can be seen in the 6th century paintings depicting the life of Buddha found on the wall of Cave at Ajanta. Bandhani is also known as Bandhej Saree, Bandhni, Piliya, and Chungidi in Tamil and regional dialects. Other tying techniques include Mothra, Ekdali and Shikari depending on the manner in which the cloth is tied. The final products are known with various names including Khombi, Ghar Chola, Patori and Chandrokhani.
Sindhi Lungi or Lungee are a hand woven gold embroidered cloth worn by Sindhi men on ceremonious occasions like weddings, Engagements, Cultural day and events etc. The Sindhi Lungis are traditionally used as a scarf/shawl, turban and as sash/cummerbund.
Ralli or Rilli quilts are traditional quilts of Sindh, there are different types of ralli making in Sindh, like appliqué ralli, patchwork, Sammi/Jogi Ralli made by Sami and Jogi communities of Sindh, which are embroidered Ralli, other styles include Ghotki ralli, Mukko and other embroidery ralli etc. All rallis are handmade by women artisans of Sindh's remote areas. The craft belongs to Sindh, Pakistan, western India, and surrounding areas. Embroidery designs and motifs indicate perceived on painted pottery from the area's ancient civilizations. Mothers used to explain several inheritance patterns to their daughters.
Ajrak, also known as Ajrakh, is a unique form of textile block-printing found primarily in Sindh, Pakistan and the village of Ajrakhpur in the bordering Kutch district of India. Ajrak textiles like shawls or dresses display special designs and patterns made using block printing with stamps. Ajrak is a symbol of Sindhi culture and traditions. Ajrak prints are also famous in neighbouring areas of India, in Gujarat, due to their influence from the Indus Valley civilization. Apart from Sindh and Kutch, recently, a Saraiki version of the Ajrak called Sajarak was created and is found in South Punjab, Pakistan.
Pakistani clothing refers to the ethnic clothing that is typically worn by people in the country of Pakistan and by Pakistanis. Pakistani clothes express the culture of Pakistan, the demographics of Pakistan, and cultures from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir regions of the country. The clothing in each region and culture of Pakistan reflect weather conditions, way of living, the textiles and embroidery used and its distinctive style which gives it a unique identity among all cultures.
The Culture of Sindh has its roots in the Indus Valley civilization. Sindh has been shaped by the largely desert region, the natural resources it has available, and continuous foreign influence. The Indus or Sindhu River, which passes through the land, and the Arabian Sea also supported the seafaring traditions among the local people. The local climate also reflects why the Sindhis have a language, folklore, traditions, customs, and lifestyle that are so different from the neighbouring regions. The Sindhi culture is also practised by the Sindhi diaspora.
The Sindhi cap, locally called Sindhī ṭopī rarely known as the Sindhi Kufi, is a skullcap worn predominantly by Sindhis in Sindh, Pakistan. Together with Ajrak, the Sindhi cap is regarded as an essential part of Sindhi culture.
The crafts of India are diverse, rich in history, culture and religion. The craft of each state in India reflect the influence of different empires. Throughout centuries, crafts have been embedded as a culture and tradition within rural communities.
Sindhi clothing are a part of the Sindhi culture. Sindhi women and men wear the Shalwar Qameez or the Kurta with Pyjama. Women also wear Sari or ghagra. However, before the adoption of the Shalwar kameez, kurta, the Sari as well as other articles of clothing, Sindhis had their own traditional costumes.
Pakistani craft has a long tradition and history. It is a traditional work or art of Pakistani people to produce, design or shape objects by using simple tools or simply by hand. It is generally produced by an individual, group or independent artists, and while it is an ancient custom, artists process traditional craft material such as brass, wood, clay, textiles, paper, or other embroidery material to create handmade items. Stone carving, sandstone, onyx, metalwork, pottery, and ajraks are commonly used techniques and materials to work upon handicrafts.
Khes is a thin cotton blanket cloth in the Indian subcontinent; it is a damask cloth used for blankets and winter wraps. Khes is generally hand-woven with coarse cotton yarns. Khes as a garment is a simple clothing item to wear loosely to cover the upper body by men in Pakistan and northwest India. Khes is an important cloth in the Sindh and Punjab, regions which are famous for its production and historically has been known for not only the production of Khes but also many other coarse cotton textiles, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries. Khes is a comfort object used in bedding, and is also usable as a cover.
Sussi or susi is a term for multicolored striped or checked cloth produced mainly in Sindh. Sussi is thin handloom fabric made of cotton, silk, or a blend of the two, with colored warp stripes. Sindh region was known for its production and exports during the Mughal period. Sussi was most often made with red and blue, blue and white, or green and white stripes, but other patterns were also produced. The fabric was exported to England, where sousaes were in great demand in the 18th century.
Folk dances of Sindh are the traditional dances of the Sindhi people, which are indigenous to Sindh region which is now in Pakistan. These dances are performed at various events including marriages, ceremonies, special occasions, on birth of a child and for cultural purposes.
Sindhi embroidery comes from the arid province of Sindh in southern Pakistan, which has always been famed for its embroidery.
Sindhi traditions and rituals refers to the traditions and rituals practiced by the Sindhis, the cultural group native to Sindh, Pakistan. have many traditions and rituals starting from the birth of a child to the death of a person. These traditions and rituals differ from region to region and also from one religion to another.
Surando is an ancient traditional Sindhi musical instrument. It is played by many Sindhi musicians in Sindh, Kutch, Rajasthan and Balochistan. The word Surando is derived from Persian word "Surayindah" which means the producer of tunes.
Abochani or Abochhini are Sindhi embroidered wedding shawls for brides from Sindh from early to mid 19th and 20th century, the beautiful big wide shawls embroidered with glossy silk threads and mirrors. Many Sindhi Sammat tribes like Khaskheli and Memons make "Butti" flower motifs on Abochhinis. The Soomra tribe wedding shawls have scattered buds of "Akk" plant embroidered in typical Phulri (Herringbone) stitch, various other motifs like Bayri, Kanwal (Lotus), stitches and colors of luminous silk threads are used on it, these shawls were given to brides as part of dowry.
Gaj or Guj are a very traditional embroidered tunics of Sindhi women from Sindh, it is a solid embroidery with mirrorwork, pompoms, sequins, cowries, shells, beads and buttons over the woman's shirt it usually covers the area, starting from neck up to the stomach. It incorporates variety of stitches and colors. Sometimes, it is made on separate piece of cloth and then attached to the garment. The style/patterns of embroidery on Gaj is usually two square, circular or heart shaped blocks on each side and an arrow like straight line in between, other style which has one block on both sides on yoke, and horizontal and vertical lines in front, the arms and borderline are also embroidered, there are also many other styles, stitches and colors of Gaj embroidery specific to each region and tribe of Sindh. The Larai jats of Lar region call it "Aggoti". A single Gaj can take up months or weeks to complete.
Sindh is a province located in the southeastern region of Pakistan. Among its traditional offers and its delicious rural culinary. Sindh has a variety of options to enjoy. Taking this platform as such, this online journal post will cover the fundamentals of Sindh's emergence to serve the purpose of indicating its eminence and uniqueness.