INTO THE CRAFT

For a special project that highlights the hands behind the craft, photographers MATHIEU RICHER MAMOUSSE and NAVELI CHOYAL turn documentarians in an attempt to humanise the clothes we love and wear. Here, the latter shares her experiences with Vogue India

- MATHIEU RICHER MAMOUSSE and NAVELI CHOYAL

Rajasthan is known the world over for its fine textiles and handicrafts. But to me, it’s the home I grew up in, surrounded by traditions that were my introduction to the realm of crafts. The city’s history with handicrafts is a long one, and it can be traced back to the 18th century, when under the rule and patronage of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur’s crafts flourished. From the wide range of textiles, embroidery and crafts that the city had to offer, dabu printing and gota patti became incredibly popular locally and around the world for their beauty and versatility. Today, these crafts are an important part of Rajasthan’s textile narrative.

Growing up in Ajmer, my understanding of crafts came from my family. My grandmother, mother and aunts embroidered and stitched their own garments, bedsheets and tablecloths. In their leisure time, just like in many other Indian households, the usage of these textiles wasn’t limited to occasions and events, but rather, it was part of everyday life.