Bridal Durries of India

"For generations women in villages of northern India have woven durries, flat tapestry, as part of the trousseau they take to their future home. Imaginative in design, bold in their use of colour, the durries are treasured items that are laid over the rough string webbing of the charpoi, the traditional Indian bed which is the central item of furniture in a village house. As women are reluctant to part with their durries, these are largely unknown outside the area in which they have been woven." "This richly illustrated book by Ann Shankar and Jenny Housego breaks new ground in exploring the background to this fascinating village tradition. The two authors have visited numerous villages to talk to the women who weave durries and to study those that lie in their homes. They show how the designs and motifs still in use are part of a continuous illustrative language that goes back to the ancient civilizations of the region, from the painted pottery fragments of the early Indus culture to the still vigorous weaving of farm communities of the Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where the links remain strong." "With 152 illustrations including 55 in colour and a map."--Jacket.