Chunari: from Sarjuben Tramta

Content Description

This 40-year-old woollen chunari, belonging to Sarjuben of Reshamiya village. Handwoven from the wool of the Panchali sheep, an indigenous breed well-adapted to the grasslands of Chotila, this textile reflects both function and identity. The chunari's body is primarily black, bordered at both ends with deep maroon bands richly embroidered with intricate motifs and mirror work. These borders are adorned with stylized depictions of birds, floral and geometric patterns. The center seam of the chunni, where two woven panels are joined, reflects traditional craftsmanship. The wool’s coarse, durable texture makes it suitable for the Maldharis’ mobile lifestyle, offering warmth and utility as a garment, head covering, baby carrier, or bundle cloth during grazing trips. At the same time, the embroidered figures serve as a form of visual storytelling, capturing memories of pastoral life and celebrating the close relationship between people, animals, and land.

Condition Description

The condition of the chunari is good. 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 chunari was shown to Govindbhai Tramta, employee of Conservation indica on 29th April 2025 by Sarjuben Tramta of Reshamiya village, Chotila. Govindbhai has thus far photographed it. After learning the process of digitization, the team will re-photograph it and digitize it to upload on Archives at NCBS.

Retention Rule

The object is of archival value as it documents the cultural identity of pastoral communities, and their close ties to nature. The physical material is currently on loan from donor Sarjuben 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.