The Weight of Commitment
The weight of this token of commitment is about 100grams. Of Gold. !!! In case you are underwhelmed … here is a similar piece displayed in the V & A … Continue reading
Talk: “Wedding Embroideries of Kutch”
A presentation of the Talk held at the Textile Museum Washington D.C. in June 2016.
Art in service of Culture – A Sindoor Box
As I say in my lectures – traditional art in Asia is rarely ever “art for art’s sake” and almost always has a second layer hidden beneath. It is either … Continue reading
External Link: A Wedding in Central Asia
I do not understand the words – but the beauty can be seen and understood easily! LINK
Of Human Bondage – The Chains of Marriage
Marriage with its Emotional Bondage* that is Voluntary & Reciprocal can be a beautiful experience. In the Hindu tradition, this bondage is poignantly represented by the Gold Chain that … Continue reading
Vanished Without a Trace – A Clan of 84 Villages
TIME: Around 13th century. PLACE: Rajasthan PARADIGM: Extremely Caste Conscious Social Hierarchy STORY Kuldhara is village outside Jaisalmer. It was the home of Paliwal Brahmins. Every region, has its unstated … Continue reading
The Dowry
This is a much maligned concept in the context of India. It need not be. A few facts: A large part of India has a bride price – where the … Continue reading
A Rabari Gypsy Tribal Wedding Ritual
‘Luck by Chance’* was on our side Mr. V.bhai – my self appointed guide for the day – declared observing that we had just witnessed two pre-wedding rituals an hour … Continue reading
Gangaur Festival
A festival of devotion and of celebration of love. Shiva and Parvati are the epitome of love in Hindu mythology and this is one of the stories about their love. … Continue reading
The Man with 39 Wives
A remote village in Mizoram. Returning from Lunglei to Aizawl I took a detour via Sirchip in order to meet this man with a new idea of life. Communication with … Continue reading
Alternate Sexuality Traditions 2 – Tibetans
PREFACE This is a collection of readings from various sources. Each article throws some light on alternative social systems. They intrigue because they are different from models known to me … Continue reading
Textile Symbolism – 1 : Hilltribes of Northern Thailand
(Excerpt from my article on Jozan.net) Textiles, costumes & dress codes have played an integral role as announcers of significant life events, in some cultures more than in others. As … Continue reading
Alternate Sexuality Traditions – 1, The Khmers
PREFACE This is a collection of readings from various sources. Each article throws some light on alternative social systems. They intrigue because they are different from models known to me … Continue reading
