Genesis
The Okhamandal region of Gujarat has been home to many tribal cultures and nourished them from the very earliest periods of history. The stark monotony of the arid landscapes in this region is relieved by the bright shades in the handicrafts made by the tribal women belonging to tribes like the Rabaris, Vaghers and Ahirs. The most prominent tribe here, the Rabaris, are a semi-nomadic tribe, known for their survival and adaptation in arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan pursuing a pre-agrarian, pastoral lifestyle found mainly in the Kutch and Saurashtra regions of Gujarat. The Rabaris today lead a quaint, colorful and rugged lifestyle, which finds a manifestation in the embroidery and crafts made by them. The Motifs of their old world custom are replicated in the intricate embroidery patterns. Rabaris embroider a wide range of garments, bags, household decorations and animal trappings. The objects that they embroider highlight important events, rites and rituals and values in their lives. Girls traditionally embroider blouses, skirts, veils, wall hangings, pillows, purses etc. It is only recently that this form of art is being used commercially too. The various forms of artwork of Gujarat are Appliqué, Heer Bharat, Kathi and Bead Work. Of these, the Appliqué work symbolizes the integral part of the decorative needlework done in Okhamandal. It is based on patchwork, in which pieces of colored and patterned fabric are finely cut in different sizes and shapes and sewn together on a plain background to form a composite piece.