Kantha

As my craft research documentation in college, i chose to study the beautiful craft of Kantha embroidery. This study was undertaken by visiting the Bhirbum district of West Bengal, India, specifically Bolpur, Nanoor, and Mahidapur, and spending time with the craftswomen to understand their craft and the stories behind it. Additionally, a second part of the study was conducted in Kolkata, which involved interviewing Kantha and Bengali culture revivalists, people working in gov

Kantha’s etymological roots lie in the sanskrit word, “Kontha,” which translates to rags. Being one of the oldest crafts of india, Kantha originated in rural Bengal as a means of upcycling worn out cotton sarees and dhotis that could not be worn anymore, to create quilts, wraps, and swaddles to keep warm in the cold weather. As it became more ornate, it evolved into a means for women to create a symbol of their love and warmth for their partner, or children to keep with them