Ghughi: from Satabhai

Content Description

The Ghughi is a traditional woolen raincoat crafted from the wool of the indigenous Duma sheep breed. Measuring approximately 5 ft in length, 4 ft in width, and weighing between 10–11 kg, the coat is white in color and features floral motifs in pink and brown painted on both sides and at the back. It was worn by the owner Satabhai during the monsoon season to protect themselves from rain while herding livestock across the open grasslands. The Ghughi’s dense, hand-felted wool provides insulation and water resistance, reflecting a deep understanding of local materials and climatic conditions.

Condition Description

The Ghughi remains in good structural condition despite its estimated age of 50 years. The wool is dense and retains its protective quality, with only minor signs of wear such as light surface discoloration and thinning at areas of frequent handling.

Accession Date

2025-06-07

Dispostion

The digitized version of this object has been moved into Archives at NCBS after digitizing.

Acquisition Type

Loan

Provenance

The Ghughi was shown to the Conservation indica team on 7th July 2025 by Satabhai of Gugaliyana village, Chotila. Conservation indica team 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 physical material is currently on loan from donor Satabhai to CI. The document will be under CI’s custody as a loan until its digitization in August 2025, 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.