Kathu: from Jagabhai Hamabhai Tramta

Content Description

This object is termed kathu. It belongs to Mr. Jagabhai Hamabhai Tramta and is sourced from Gothaliya village. The “kathu” is made up of sheesham wood and is used to be mounted on the camel’s back as a harness. The kathu is designed in a way to hold bedsteads, cots, blankets, utensils, newborn lambs, and kids during the migration of the maldhari household. This apparatus is essential for camel-based transportation, allowing pastoralists to load their possessions and ride comfortably during migrations and daily activities.

Condition Description

The object is 35 years old, made from the wood of the Sheesham tree. The apparatus was kept on the open ground with continuous exposure to sunlight, rainfall and wind. The object still appears strong, probably because of the ability of Sheesham wood to resist decay. However, the wood appears brittle, and its metal joints are slightly rusted because of seasonal wear and tear. The object will be later transferred to the Maldhari Collection.

Accession Date

2025-04-29

Dispostion

The digitized version of this object will be moved into Archives at NCBS after digitizing.

Acquisition Type

Loan

Provenance

The custodian is Mr Jagabhai Hamabhai Tramta. The material was shared by him with Govindbhai Tramta, an employee of Conservation indica, on 18th April 2025. The custody of the material lies with Mr Govindbhai Tramta.

Retention Rule

The artefact is of value as it documents the mobility practices of pastoral communities. The physical material is currently on loan from donor Jagabhai Hambabhai Tramta to CI. The document will be under CI’s custody as a loan until its digitization, by June-July, after which it will be passed down to its owner. The digitized copies will be housed at NCBS and CI. CI plans to keep a copy of the digitized document for further consultation by local communities and researchers in the future

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.

Use Restrictions

Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives at NCBS. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). See access guidelines for more information (https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.