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International Quilt Study Center

The International Quilt Study Center & Museum has created an opportunity for you to see some of the amazing quilts from our collection. Each month a new quilt will be presented in this spot on our website. You may subscribe to our free service and receive an email reminding you that a new "Quilt of the Month" has been unveiled. Your email address will be protected and will be used only by the Center.

February, 2010

Quilt Of The Month


Ralli
Made in Banni, Kutch, Gujarat, India
c. 1985-2005
72.75"x 50.75"
International Quilt Study Center, 2009.052.0001

This boldly colored ralli quilt is attributed to the Muslim Mutwa group from the Kutch District of Gujarat, India. The Mutwa women are famous for highly detailed embroidery that uses a range of stitches, including the chain, square chain, reverse chain, knot, satin, double running, lazy daisy, herringbone, and hemming stitches. This style of embroidery also makes ample use of mirror work or shisha. This ralli has dozens of tiny glass mirrors scattered around the central portion of the brightly colored cotton fabric.

Historically, young Mutwa women begin learning embroidery by the age of 7 or 8 and use their skills to embroider clothing and household items for their wedding dowries. At the turn of the 21st century, many of these domestic goods are no longer made, but quilts like this still remain important. Mutwa women are expected to have collected or made at least 21 quilts by the time they marry.