Beautiful toda embroidered white/cream middle cushion

Elevate your sofa with this hand embroidered, toda art, stlyish cushion

Minimum Order Quantity : 10

RRP : £65.00

SKU: 312 Category:

Description

Step into a world of timeless beauty and intricate craftsmanship with our exclusive collection of Toda embroidery. Originating from the Toda tribe of the Nilgiri Hills in southern India, Toda embroidery is a centuries-old tradition that celebrates nature, culture, and heritage. Each piece in our collection is lovingly handcrafted by skilled Toda artisans, using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Adorned with delicate motifs inspired by the flora and fauna of the Nilgiri Hills, our Toda embroidery pieces are a true testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Details

Material Cotton
Colour White base with black and red design
Time to Make 10 - 20 days

Dimensions

Weight (kg) 0.12kg
Length (in) 16.14in
Width (in) 16.14in
Height (in) NA

Delivery

Delivery by Air 10 days
Delivery by Ship 30 days

Origin of Craft

Name of Craft Toda Embroidary
GI Certified Craft Y
Period of Origin 12th Century BC
Country India
Geographical Region of Artisan Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
About the Craft HISTORY OF TODA EMBROIDARY Nestled in the picturesque Nilgiri Hills of Southern India, the Todas live as one small community, with a population of 1,600 spread over 69 settlements, and about 400 of them are stated to be engaged in the embroidery work, a cherished tradition that reflects their artistic prowess and holds cultural and historical significance. Toda embroidery’s long and illustrious history dates back over a thousand years. While the exact origins of Toda embroidery are unknown, it is thought to have evolved organically from the community’s daily life and rituals. This art was traditionally passed down through generations, with women playing an exclusive role in preserving and developing the technique. Their designs’ geometric patterns, natural motifs, and symbolic meanings make Toda embroidery a unique and cherished art form. It is not merely a decorative practice but a way for the Toda people to connect with their roots, express their beliefs, and sustain their way of life. HOW IT IS CRAFTED Toda embroidery is worked from the reverse, by the counting of the yarns of fabric weave, with black and red thread; white represents purity, red youth, and black wisdom. The neatness of the work makes the textile reversible: the main face has a heavier look and the reverse a lighter look. The fabric used is a coarse bleached half white cotton cloth with bands; the woven bands on the fabric consist of two bands, one in red and one band in black, spaced at six inches. Embroidery is limited to the space within the bands and is done by using a single stitch darning needle. It is not done within an embroidery frame but is done by counting the warp and weft on the fabric which has a uniform structure by the reverse stitch method. To bring out a rich texture in the embroidered fabric, during the process of needle stitching, a small amount of tuft is deliberately allowed to bulge. Geometric pattern is achieved by counting the warp and weft in the cloth used for embroidery. Another common design in the form of black triangles in a box design, is done in honour of their first priest. Women who do embroidery consider their work as an honoured "tribute to Nature".