THREADS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
THREADS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
WARI WATAI, BENGALURU
Craft Documentation for Wari Watai (India Lives Project)
Avalanche river, Ooty
As a part of the Graduation project at National Institute of Design,
the Toda tribe was closely studied for their culture and traditional embroidery techniques,
at Ooty in the Nilgiris. This craft study was done under the "India Lives" project, for Wari Watai,
a multidisciplinary design studio at Bengaluru.
This project is the outcome of a journey that started through
the enormous blue gum tree lined paths on the way to Ooty, reminiscent of a
mystical world. These lands are home to the Todas, who are believed to be
created by the Mother Goddess herself.
Sketch showing the Nilgiris on the way to Ooty, Goodallur
A traditional Toda temple at Tamizhagam mund, Ooty
Illustrations of traditional Toda jewellery
Traditional Toda jewellery
Illustrations of another type of traditional Toda temple called the "Po"
This ancient vegetarian tribe of India is known for their traditional Poothukuli, Toda embroidery, their identity, their traditions, values and beliefs that are closely related to Mother Nature.
Toda embroidery
Sketches of traditional Toda motifs
A traditional "Poothukuli", a mantle used by the Toda people which is of spiritual, religious, functional and ritualistic significance
Samples of traditional Toda embroidery motifs
Sketches showing the steps in draping a "Poothukuli"
The research was documented and
carried forward to create 2 collections of wallpapers
and lifestyle products for the studio.
A contemporary Toda embroidery product created by the craftswomen at Ooty