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Patan Patola

Patola are double ikat woven saris, usually made from silk, manufactured in Patan, Gujarat, India. The word patola is the plural form; the singular is patolu. They are very expensive and were once worn only by those belonging to royal and aristocratic families. The sari is now popular among the elite.

Patola are tie and dye designs. A bunch of yarn is dyed and woven into fine fabrics of various designs and motifs. These motifs created out of dyed yarn designs are equally prominent on either side of the sari. This silk cloth with double Ikat patterns is considered to be holy and is believed to possess miraculous powers of attracting prosperity.

Patola weaving is a closely guarded family tradition. There are three families in Patan that weave these highly-prized double ikat saris. It is said that this technique is taught to no one in the family except the sons. It can take six months to one year to make one sari due to the long process of dyeing each strand separately before weaving them together.

Four distinct patterns are woven primarily in Gujarat by the Salvi community. In Jain and Hindu communities, double ikat saris with designs of parrots, flowers, elephants, and dancing figures are generally used. In Muslim communities, saris with geometric designs and flower patterns are typical, being worn mostly on weddings and other special occasions. Maharashtrian Brahmins wear saris woven with plain, dark-colored borders and body, and a bird design called Nari Kunj.

Related Weaves

Gadwal Cotton

Gadwal, in the state of Telangana, is famous for its characteristic cotton saris that come with an attached silk border as well as a silk pallu (edge of the sari).

Salem Cotton

The handloom industry is one of the most ancient cottage industries in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, India. The history of handloom and spinning mills dates back to the pre-independence period.

Kharad Dhurries

Kharad (Sindhi word for carpet) weaving is an ancient traditional craft native to the region of Kutch, Gujarat.

Angami

For the Angami tribe of Nagaland, weaving is not just a craft, it is a way of life; A passion pursued, especially by women, at the home loom and an art of the few; a skill that they feel so deeply about that they compete with each other to achieve excellence.

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