Grateful for a Spectacular 2019
I must be doing something right – to get reviews I can be so proud of .. from a Hollywood producer, a US Ambassador to India, a noted expert & … Continue reading
Spinning Yarn
Seen in the Himalayas….an activity, a skill, a lifestyle …. People STILL live in this charming way! All through our afternoon conversation in which our minds and voices engaged, their … Continue reading
July News
Lots has happened in my world of textiles, art and culture recently Recent additions on wovensouls, talks that I wish I could attend, new functionalities launched in the gallery, important … Continue reading
Enjoying WOVENSOULS?
If you have been enjoying WOVENSOULS could you please take a moment to rate the effort on Trustpilot? here: https://www.trustpilot.com/evaluate/www.wovensouls.com It will be a huge help for my small gallery! … Continue reading
Special Offers on Wovensouls.Com
In March, our newsletter subscribers received a special offer of 25% off on EVERYTHING priced less than US$1000 for a brief period of 3 days. An offer not-to-be-missed right? If … Continue reading
Hidden Gems – new sightings in old acquisitions!
In an embroidery rich in texture and motifs and age, it was easy to miss the 5th color used sparingly – it hid within the flowers – almost shy of … Continue reading
“Heirlooms” – Exhibition Report
A fabulous exhibition – great reviews from the guests, stimulating conversations, free flow of adulation for the artworks and brisk movement of unforgettable pieces to new homes! If you were … Continue reading
Ancient Mongolian Buddhist Script for Musical Sutras
A note from 2012 – reposted We have all heard of Do Re Mi as the format for musical notation. It is a language in which we express music. Another … Continue reading
The Narakasura Festival, Goa
[A post from 2010 on the occasion of Diwali & Narakasur] Goa. Narakasur. Pre-Diwali. A unique folk festival that I noticed for the first time in 2004 then became more … Continue reading
A Story in a Nose Ring
Four times I have had my nose pierced. In spite of the fact that it is long & hook shaped and has provided all its viewers with immense mirth – … Continue reading
‘Vanishing Cultures’ Exhibition Opens
A few minutes before the exhibition opens: The things in this room – the textiles & the photographs, the stories behind their acquisition, the people in the photos & the … Continue reading
Wovensouls ‘Vanishing Cultures’ Exhibition Highlights | Rare Awadh Shield
A very rare shield. March 7, 8, 9 | 10am – 7pm The Arts House, (Old Parliament) | Singapore. MORE DETAILS : ‘VANISHING CULTURES’ – An Exhibition of Cultural Photographs … Continue reading
Mystical Gold Ornaments from the past
When I look at some of the ornaments from the past, they leave me awestruck! The art & craft within them is doubtlessly stunning. But beyond that, there is an … Continue reading
PRESS RELEASE : Wovensouls Website migration
The Wovensouls webgallery of antique textiles, antique jewelry and antique folk art has been redesigned and has moved to a new hosting server. The content is now available HERE. Acquire … Continue reading
ANNOUNCEMENT : Wovensouls to hold first major Live Auction in April 2013
Live Auctioneers will host the first major auction of Wovensouls on April 6th, 10am California Time. Important pieces of textile art and folk art from Tibet and a few other … Continue reading
Wovensouls makes its first sale to a Museum!
Time for celebration! Wovensouls has just made its first sale to a museum. That the buyer is a renowned museum with one of the best cultural collections in the world … Continue reading
Miniature Thangkas from Mongolia
Devotional Art – art that arises out of worship and devotion – produces some of the most spectacular works the world has seen. Sufi music is an example and so … Continue reading
Photographs of the Tribal Expressions Exhibition, Singapore
Photos of an absolutely amazing experience! Visitors reacted beyond expectation to the people in the photos, to the photos, to the expressions of human emotion, to the expressions of tribal … Continue reading
Camels go on a Pilgrimage with their Tribal Masters to pray
I am in Kutch. One of the districts of Gujarat. Which is one of the 28 states of India. This little portion tucked away in a corner of India bordering … Continue reading
Additions to the Wovensouls Antique Textile Gallery – Tribal Bags
A few tribal bags that were acquired on my travels….. Some are bags originally used by tribals. Others are made using antique or vintage tribal textiles. All gorgeous. All very … Continue reading
Meeting Lambani Textile Artists
Awhile ago, while doing research for an art installation project, I met these textile artists who work for themselves – who create their gorgeous art mainly for self-consumption and not … Continue reading
Textile Art of South East Asia at the Asian Civilsations Museum
An album from a forgotten visit in 2007 to the Asian Civilisations Museum …. taken with a camera I do not even remember. A photography experience that probably made me … Continue reading
Tribal Textile Art of Kutch – the Bhuj Folk Art Museum
A self explanatory photo-essay showcasing the mirrorwork & embroidery of various tribes in the Kutch region of Gujarat India. But first an introduction to the two lovely ladies from the … Continue reading
Textile Art of Mizoram, The Lunglei Museum Collection
A walk through the textile & jewelry section of the Museum of Lunglei, the remotest town in the North Eastern state of Mizoram, India. Details of these pieces are available … Continue reading
Turban Art – the Crowning Glory of Indian Men
Turbans serve many uses for Indian men. They provide relief from the sun and a touch of color to the simple male costume. The loose ends are used as handkerchiefs, … Continue reading
The Classic Indian Village Fair – Gogunda mela
Not a single tourist present besides me. No Indian tourist. No foreign tourist.No men tourists. No women tourists. ONLY locals. ONLY villagers. And me. This is simply not a place … Continue reading
Curious Dayak Tribal Objects
I had never articulated the thought in my head until Kuching but had always known this even during my days of scrounging through Chor Bazaar in Bombay and flea markets … Continue reading
Latest Additions to the Antique Gallery – June 2012
Antique and Vintage acquisitions from the Dayak tribes from Sarawak, Sumatra and Kalimantan have been added to the Wovensouls galleries linked below: Antique Textiles from Borneo Antique Articles from Borneo … Continue reading
A Python for Dinner
Note: Please note that this article contains images of raw meat. If this is offensive to you do not read further. “Mom what’s for dinner” “Stir Fried Python” This would … Continue reading
Music of the Manganiyar Tribe
The Manganiyars are famous through their shows worldwide titled the Manganiyar Seduction. Presented by international performance companies their music has received a platform it deserves. Awards and acclaim have followed … Continue reading
Mewar Diaries
Rajasthan needs no introduction. Colors flood my senses from the moment I drive into the city of Udaipur from the airport late in the evening. After stopping to pick up … Continue reading
Folk Dances of Rajasthan
No words. Just videos that I have taken on my phone camera at the Bagaur Haveli in Udaipur. 1. A folk musician plays a traditional instrument called the Raavanhatta : … 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
The Chapchar Kut Harvest Festival of Mizoram
A glimpse of the Chapchar Kut Harvest festival held at Aizawl in March 2012. The Chapchar Kut is the Harvest festival of Mizoram and celebrated across the hills in March … Continue reading
Intense Spirituality – the Thaipusam Festival
They say spirituality awakens at a particular moment – and that moment is necessarily different for each person. I do not think I have reached my moment yet. But I … Continue reading
Arunachal Pradesh Diaries
Nested in the Himalayan foothills, almost untouched by my world that is desperately seeking answers to its energy crisis, its financial crisis fuelled by ‘more & more’ & ‘growth’, and … Continue reading
Fierce Nocte Headhunters
Portrait-collage of the Nocte Tribe, Khonsa, Arunachal Pradesh, a friendly happy yet fierce tribe with headhunting ancestry. Hi res images available on http://www.jainamishra.com My other related articles Headhunting Tropies Back … Continue reading
The Gaanv Boodhas or Village Headmen of Arunachal Pradesh
Am stating the obvious – that every journey results in not only a fresh view of old things, but also views of things never seen before by the beholder. Having … Continue reading
Glimpses of a contented People – the Arunachalis
Images of interesting elements of Arunachali lifestyle have been put together as a general kaleidoscope. For separate articles on the specific topics, click on the links below: Hunter-Gatherer-Weavers Innovative housing … Continue reading
A chance encounter with a Shaman Priest during a sacrifice ritual
Rural Arunachal Pradesh, Dec 2011 This was an encounter that took me by surprise and swept me off my feet! When I think back, it is difficult to imagine the … Continue reading
The Arunachali – the Hunter-Gatherer-Weaver
Tiny hamlets dot the Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh. Some lie along the winding roads while a large number are accessible only by foot paths taking as long as 3-5 … Continue reading
Tribal Signatures – Face Tattoos of the Apatani tribe
The lifestyle of Apatani hilltribe of Arunachal Pradesh fascinates a cultural traveller on several aspects. But the one that hit me with the greatest intensity are the 2 tribal signatures … Continue reading
Arunachal Hilltribe Lifestyle 2 : Innovative housing
Arunachal Pradesh landscapes comprise the foothills of the Himalayas and is inhabited mainly by tribes.The hills are dotted with tribal villages all across its 85000 sq km expanse. Hills and … Continue reading
Head Hunting Trophies
The British had banned head hunting during the days of the Raj and ordered that all trophies – such as skulls of enemy tribes – be destroyed. Most tribes complied. … Continue reading
Ladakh Diaries
“LADAKH – THE HERMIT KINGDOM” PROVIDES AN INTRODUCTION TO LADAKH AND IS A PREFACE TO A SERIES OF SUBJECT SPECIFIC ARTICLES ON LADAKH. In the olden days, in the Hindu … Continue reading
“An Indian Discovers India” – Photo Art Prints Exhibition
For an Indian born and raised in urban India, discovering the diverse spectrum of cultures in the extreme geographical ends has been a journey filled with revelations about India’s identity. … Continue reading
Traditional Sports of Ladakh – Archery
The word ‘sports’ evokes visions of young fit people. It evokes images of competitive spirits. But in most folk sports that I have watched in places that remain pure and … Continue reading
Mountain Adventures 18000ft above sea level – a landslide at the Khardungla Pass!
This was, without a doubt, the most difficult journey I have ever made. I have travelled to Everest Base camp, have travelled squeezed into the boot of a car on … Continue reading
Bactrian Camels of the Central Asian Silk Route – Ladakh
Diskit village, Nubra valley. Ladakh. Wedged between two ranges of the Himalayas. Sand dunes. River beds. Mountains with badly scratched faces. Mountains with a topology that mesmerised. Rock formations that … Continue reading
The Chamms Masked Dances by the Monks of Chemrey Monastery – Ladakh
Lamas of the ancient Chemrey monastery performing the Masked dances in Leh in which they enact religious tales with a moral. The stunning colors of the flowing robes combined with … Continue reading
Traditional Sports of Ladakh – Polo
Where else would we find a monastery, a chorten, mountain peaks AND polo players in the same shot??!!! The cheerleading squad – traditional drummers The teams A flying horse? A … Continue reading
An Appeal for “The Blue Veil Project”
The magnificent head dress of Ladakh – the Perak laden with rows and rows of turquoise gem stones and coral, is probably among the most exquisite bridal ornaments in … Continue reading
Ancient Murals of Alchi Monastery – an art-collector’s delight
Alchi is a sleepy and simple unglorified village about 70 km to the West of Leh. Nothing in its approach route or in the buildings and structures of the village … Continue reading
Mastering the Mind and Body – Monk Warriors of Xiaolin (Shaolin) – a photoessay
Xiaolin or Shaolin. China. Popularised in the film “36 Chambers of Shaolin” (1978) When I woke up yesterday, I had no idea that the day would hold unforgettable encounters with … Continue reading
A night-out with the Nomads of Changthang
Dreamt of spending time with nomads for a long time. To experience their minimalistic lives, to observe the mental strength with which they embraced the harshness of nature, to … Continue reading
Christian Paintings from the Past
Old. Beautiful. Full of stories. Full of devotion. Antique Church Paintings. Many of these are on wood board. Others may be on canvas. Some hang high up on walls and … Continue reading
Church of St. Francis Xavier of Assisi, Old Goa
I studied at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, and my school was a convent run by a nun order that is closely associated with the Jesuit priests, an order started … Continue reading
Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an – a photo gallery
Made of . These and other artifacts like bells, cranes, amulets and weapons are all widely speculated by experts to be part of the recreation of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s … Continue reading
Viva San Jao
24th June 2011 A second visit to the wonderful non-touristy festival in Goa! For the local people and by the local people. Vibrant colors, Vibrant music, Vibrant boat decor and … Continue reading
Invitation to a Lambani Gypsy Tribal Wedding
A Lambani Gypsy family. A Village in Karnataka, India. May 8th 2011. An arranged marriage. This is an account of a gypsy tribal wedding in a tiny village that had … Continue reading
Exquisite Vintage Kebayas – the costume of the Peranakan culture
Peranakan, Baba-Nyonya and Straits Chinese are terms used for descendants of the very early Chinese immigrants to the Nusantara region of British controlled Malaya and the Dutch controlled Java among … Continue reading
Yak Horn textile adornments, Sikkim
Yaks must be much loved creatures since their owners – the Dokpas – who adorn them so fashionably! The behavior of yaks is best described in Heinrich Harrer’s book ‘Seven … Continue reading
Sikkim Diaries
‘To live many lifetimes within a lifetime…”. Its time for another lifetime! My trip to Sikkim in March 2011, was planned during the week of Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebrations. … Continue reading
Chanting ceremony at Kagyud Monastery, Lingdum, Sikkim
The Kagyud Monastery was the best experience of my Sikkim trip. This is the monastery that I will return to someday. On the first visit, 2 days prior to Losar, … Continue reading
Breathtaking Mural Paintings of Sikkim Monasteries
The images need no supporting words… Just a small preface …all images were taken inside a large hall lit only by a few butter lamps. I have not used a … Continue reading
Art in Buddhist Ritual Objects
My awareness of Buddhist rituals and practices is limited to my observations. Someday I hope I will have the opportunity to seek out the stories and the philosophies behind these … Continue reading
Art in Sikkimese Monastery Architecture
The initial images display exteriors of monasteries while the last dozen display the interiors. Back to Sikkim Diaries jm March 2011
Wood Art in Sikkim Monasteries – Windows, Doors and Pillars
The design of the Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim is heavily influenced by Tibetan designs and bears a close similarity to the visuals seen on the other side of the Himalayas. … Continue reading
On the Silk Route at the Nathula Pass, India-China border
The day journey from Gangtok is a difficult one, but that doesn’t stop tourists from reaching the pass 15000 ft above sea level…..I was just one of the 4-5 dozen … Continue reading
Buddhist Yak Butter Art of Sikkim
I usually travel ‘blind’ – without detailed research. So I do not have a clear idea of what to expect. As a result, the experiences I go through along the … Continue reading
Procession at the Enchey Monastery, Sikkim
The head Lama at Enchey, a quiet handsome and dignified gentleman who rarely speaks to visitors, honored me with a detailed conversation about his life* and about the monastery. He … Continue reading
Pattachitra Art of Assam
Pattachitra is similar to ‘storyboards’ or stories told along with pictures. The tales depicted are usually derived from epics such as Bhagawat and Ramayana. In ancient India, this art was … Continue reading
Rural art & crafts of Assam
Art arises as an expression of common people as expressions of culture, expression of religion and expression of belief. In cases where the art form finds a patron, the technique … Continue reading
Textile Art of the Ahom Kingdom – Guwahati Museum Collection
The Ahoms are a community found largely in Assam. This community consists of the descendants of ethnic Tai people who accompanied the Tai prince Sukaphaa who established the Ahom kingdom … Continue reading
Street Shrines of India
The Gods are everywhere – literally. In busy Bombay, in parts where its working class real people live, almost every street has a wayside shrine. A holy tree or an … Continue reading
Tribal Textile and Bead Art of Nagaland
This photoessay is preceded by the article that appears on Jozan.net titled “Red, White and Black – Tribal Textiles of Nagaland” available here. Images will say it better than words … Continue reading
Nagaland Diaries
An image from 1870s Nov 29th, 2010 Am setting out to explore Nagaland – home to over 20 distinct tribes characterised by two intriguing lifetsyles: headhunting and minimal clothing. This … Continue reading
Tribal Dances of Nagaland
Every tribe has unique ways of celebrating festivals – some that are common to all Nagamese, others that are unique to each tribe. A collection of images of various tribal … Continue reading
Sacrificial Lamb at Kamakhya temple, Guwahati
I had heard about the Kamakhya or Kamakshi temple through a scientist friend recently. He was intrigued by the world of Tantrics and as he talked about his fascination, he … Continue reading
Traditional Naga Bamboo Climbing and Fire Making
Greased-bamboo pole climbing and Traditional fire-making….a few images. Boys preparing to compete in the greased bamboo pole climbing competition between tribes Splashing mud to create friction *** Fire making by … Continue reading
Naga lifestyle
Pineapple plantation Buddies chatting on a ‘puliya’ Local Backpacks Dimapur market: Small intertwining lanes that would challenge the map-drawers skills; Shops spilling out onto the streets with wares stacked in … Continue reading
Tears in Kohima
My friend who had fought several wars as part of the infantry brought me to look at this landmark site. It probably held some significance to him, but I had … Continue reading
Goan Folk Art – Tulsi Pots
Goa is known for its beaches …but over the years its numerous hidden attractions have revealed themselves to me, slowly, one at a time, ensuring that I remain in love … Continue reading
Panaji to Sindhudurg Sea Fort and back
If you are considering going to Sindhudurg Sea Fort, you’d look at the map, find Sindhudurg on it and then head for it….but that would be a mistake! If you … Continue reading
Beautiful People – the Eunuch community of Bombay
Eunuchs have been mentioned in the Mahabharata, in tales from the Mughal times and from ancient China. In all of these they played a role in royal and noble homes. … Continue reading
The Dhunuchi Dance at Durga Puja
I first experienced this dance through one of the most beautiful Hindi films of this decade – Parineeta. This dance is performed at the Durga Puja – a hindu festival … Continue reading
Thumbuakar Tribal Group, Borneo
What a delightful and soul satisfying find this has been!! Gorgeous humans, gorgeous textiles and topping all that – gorgeous performance art! Bamboo dance, fire dance – in which they … Continue reading
The Dragon Dance
A set of photos on the dragon dance. The dragon chasing the pearl shows that the dragon is continually in the pursuit of wisdom. Every unique formation has a name … Continue reading
The magnificent Lion Dance
The boys performing these feats are not professionals. They are students or young working adults who also perform the lion dance… The main performers of a team are the dancers. … Continue reading
Janmashtami Festival in Mumbai
On Krishna’s birthday this folk festival brings the whole mega city together – mainly to watch the human pyramids, and to dance to the accompanying bands in the Mumbai monsoons! … Continue reading
A cup of tea with Nomads and Gypsies of Kutch
This trip in early 2006 marked the start of my solo travelling life. A novice solo traveller a bit nervous, but as usual serendipity helped me along….. Armed with … Continue reading
Ajrakh Block Print Art
This is a photoessay on the art of block printing called ‘Ajrakh’. The process described here, is the same for any block print art. The speciality of Ajrakh is that … Continue reading
Hmong Batik Art
The Hmong are one of the hilltribes living in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. One of signatures of this group is their Batik Art used in their garments. The following photos … Continue reading
Kissing a Bengal Tiger
If Webster needed examples from the real world to explain the word ‘inappropriate’ – the names of two tigers I met and cuddled, Sticky Rice and Spicy Sausage would be … Continue reading
The Ajrakh Artists
2006 – my first solo trip. To Bhuj and the surrounding villages in Kutch. Among the many splendours of the area is the village of Ajrakh – known for its … Continue reading
Lifestyle of Hilltribes of Northern Thailand
Following is an excerpt from an article I wrote for Jozan.net. ‘Textiles, costumes & dress codes have played an integral role as announcers of significant life events, in some cultures … Continue reading
Travelling Godmen – the Spiritual Healers of India
Travelling Godmen are wanderers that travel from village to village, restricting themselves to a particular geographical area (usually dictated by the language). They sell spirituality and its benefits in different … Continue reading
Newari Wood Art
I am ashamed now of my ignorance of that entire Himalayan region that houses a rainbow spectrum of historic cultures – that have left so many pieces of art & … Continue reading
Lives of Others – The Bicycle Tourists
2007. Tibet – at a location just outside Lhasa. A short climb up a hill to a monastery. Quiet place – left alone by tourists. After many stops along the … Continue reading
Magnetised
Battling in the river waves, struggling to stay afloat, suspending all thought, emptied of all emotion, being physically overwhelmed by the muddy monsoon rapids, with the consciousness registering just the … Continue reading
Pashupatinath – celebration & sorrow
Dusk at the Bagmati river behind Pashupatinath temple. Pre-monsoon clouds. Steep steps going up from the river on the opposite side of the river to worship platforms. Lower cremation platforms … Continue reading
