Vintage Recycled Banjara Textile Jacket- The Ashbury

Vintage Recycled Banjara Textile Jacket- The Ashbury

Literally from shoulder to hem this beauty has spectacular character and detail. If you're anything like me you will be utterly obsessed with this piece, it's simply a wild and gorgeous work of art!

Made of vintage Banjara textiles, specifically a fantastic vintage Banjara panel on the back possibly coming from what was once a Banjara travel, envelope bag. This stunning centerpiece on the back is framed in cowrie shells and lepo mirror stitching.  The front features a fabulous display of vibrant cotton, embroidered, color blocks. The lining is made of cotton and buttons are brilliantly made of cowrie shells. 

A one of kind piece that can be worn by the bohemian or the funky uptown girl, it's a statement piece that people will be envying. 

Wear it with the sleeves rolled up or down, over pants, shorts, a skirt or keep warm over a cute dress! So many looks and possibilities. 

ABOUT THE BANJARA

Much has been written about the Banjara since they are so fascinating and their work so detailed and ornate.
    Banjaras were traditionally suppliers of bullock and salt merchants. The word Banjara is said to be derived from Sanskrit word vana chara (wanderers in jungle). The word Lambani or Lamani is derived from the Sanskrit word lavana (salt), which was the principal product they transported across the country.  The Banjara embroidery and tattooing are prized and also form a significant aspect of the Banjara identity.  Lambani women specialize in lepo embroidery which involves stitching pieces of mirror, decorative beads and coins onto clothes. The Sandur Lambani Embroidery is a type of textile embroidery unique to the tribe in Sanduru, Bellary district, Karnataka.
    Since they were transporters of goods such as salt, grains, firewood and cattle, during the 19th century, the British colonial authorities brought the community under the purview of Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. This curtailed their movement and created great poverty in the tribes. The stigma attached to this continued until 1952 when the Act was abolished by the newly independent India but they remained disenfranchised. Now a lot of Banjara are forced to stay in their one village or close to cities where they participate in the local workforce.

We are always striving to learn more and support their work as much as we can. Their vintage pieces should be treasured. We are told to never cut, or de-construct their textiles or embroidery and we hope we can also convey this to you.