banjara costume - top and skirt
bought them in india in 1976 - great condition
Banjara woman's traditional blouse (choli), extensively decorated with hand embroidery, small metal decorations, tiny pompoms and pieces of mirror glass (shisha ). The decorated flaps on one shoulder and the upper bodice show that the blouse was to be worn by a married woman. The blouse is open at the back (this would be covered by the large head shawl), and has ties at the shoulder and waist.
Brightly colored, mirrored and covered with intricate hand embroidery, this antique Banjara skirt is a wearable work of art! This one-of-a-kind piece was hand-sewn by a masterful artisan, utilizing complicated stitching techniques, mirror work, and embroidery.