At G20 meet, a Guinness effort to shine light on Karnataka’s Lambani craft

Source: The post is based on the article “At G20 meet, a Guinness effort to shine light on Karnataka’s Lambani craft” published in Indian Express on 11th July 2023.

What is the News?

At the third G20 culture working group (CWG) meeting in Hampi, a Guinness world record was created for the ‘largest display of Lambani items’.

Over 450 Lambani women artisans and cultural practitioners associated with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra Kendra (SKKK) came together to display Lambani items.

What is Lambani embroidery?

Lambani embroidery is a vibrant and intricate form of textile embellishment characterized by colorful threads, mirror work, and a rich array of stitch patterns.  

Practised in: It is practised in several villages of Karnataka such as Sandur, Keri Tanda, Mariyammanahalli, Kadirampur, Sitaram Tanda, Bijapur, and Kamalapur. 

Community involved: This embroidery is predominantly done by the skilled women of the Lambani community.It serves them as a vital source of livelihood and sustenance.

Features: Lambani embroidery  involves stitching together small pieces of discarded fabric to create a beautiful fabric. 

Significance: The embroidery traditions of the Lambanis are shared in terms of technique and aesthetics with textile traditions across Eastern Europe, West, and Central Asia.This signifies the movement of the nomadic communities across such regions historically, forming a shared artistic culture.

What is Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra Kendra (SKKK)?

Sandur Kushal Kala Kendra(SKKK) is a registered society established in 1988.

Aim: To revive traditional crafts and enhance the livelihoods of craftswomen by nurturing their skills, promoting their products, and thus ensuring a steady income.

Contribution to Lambani craft: SKKK has gained national and international recognition for the Lambani craft earning the prestigious UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts in South Asia in 2004 and 2012.

– It has also obtained the GI (Geographical Indication) tag for the craft ‘Sandur Lambani hand embroidery’ in the year 2008.