GiTAGGED® Floral Pattern Black-Red Hand Embroidered Wool-Cotton Pouch

The Toda Embroidery is an intricate form of needle-weaving, done on a Pootkhull(zh)y in continuous bands in lengthwise strips, rather than across the width of the Pootkhull(zh)y.

The Toda Embroidery is done by the people of Toda tribe. The toda tribe is the most ancient and unusual communities of the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. The Toda Embroidery is hand made only by the Toda women.

Toda Embroidery is reversible, so one can use both sides. The Todas consider the ‘rough’ obverse side as the right side, with its generous looping of threads that is the display side and the not apparent far neater, reverse side. However, the outsiders feel quite the opposite.

The Toda word for an embroidery motif is ‘pukhoor’ and the traditional motifs draw inspiration from birds, insects, animals, flowers, nature, and inanimate objects.

Apart from clothes, nowadays Toda embroidery is used for adorning a range of products like pouches, spectacle cases, wall decors, luncheon sets, table cloths, table mats, and other similar accessories, bedspreads, runners, some shawls and dupattas (veils).

The designs or patterns of the Toda Embroidery are mostly symbolic ranging from floral motif to animals and human figures.

Uniqueness

• The hand made Toda Embroidery is reversible, so one can use both sides.
• The main and only stitch used in this embroidery is darning stitch, done from the back of the fabric.
• The motifs on Toda Embroidery are inspired from animals, flowers, insects, birds, architectural designs, etc.
• Motifs are embroidered by counting the warp and weft threads of the coarsely woven fabric.
• Geographical & climatic conditions add to the refinement of the desired shades of colors.

Additional information

Advance Information*

Introduction

Introducing the exquisite GiTAGGED® Floral Pattern Black-Red Hand Embroidered Wool-Cotton Pouch, a masterful creation that embodies rich cultural heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship. The pouch is meticulously crafted from wool embroidered on top-quality cotton fabric, providing a blend of durability, sophistication, and artistic allure. Embellished with the intricate Toda embroidery, this pouch serves as both a functional accessory and a piece of living art, embodying centuries-old traditions from the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, India.

Fabric and Materials

• Base Fabric: High-quality cotton, known for its strength, durability, and softness. The cotton base ensures a lightweight yet robust construction.
• Embroidery Threads: Premium wool, featuring rich black and red hues, which contrast beautifully with the white cotton fabric.

The harmonious combination of wool and cotton offers a tactile and visual delight, ensuring that each pouch is not only sturdy and practical but also elegant and eye-catching.

Thread Count

The cotton fabric used in this pouch has a thread count of 80s, striking the perfect balance between fineness and durability. The high thread count provides a smooth texture and contributes to the longevity of the product, ensuring that the pouch retains its quality and appearance over time.

Embroidery and Technique

Type of Embroidery

• Hand embroidery: This pouch boasts hand-embroidered patterns, a hallmark of superior craftsmanship. Each stitch is placed with meticulous care, reflecting the skill and dedication of the Toda women artisans.
• Reversible embroidery: One of the distinctive features of Toda embroidery, this technique allows the pouch to be used on both sides. Each side displays a different aspect of the design, offering versatility and unique charm.

Technique

• Darning stitch: The primary stitch used in Toda embroidery, executed from the back of the fabric. This method involves counting the warp and weft threads, ensuring precision and consistency in the design.
• Motif Placement: The motifs are arranged in continuous bands lengthwise rather than across the width, adding a structured and elongated appearance to the pouch.

Dimensions and Measurements

• Length: 19 cm
• Width: 13 cm

These measurements make the pouch an ideal size for everyday use, perfect for carrying essential items such as cosmetics, mobile phones, small notebooks, or even as a stylish clutch.

Intricate Toda Embroidery: An Overview

Historical Context

Toda embroidery, also known as Pukhoor by the Toda tribe, dates back to the 12th century and is practiced exclusively by Toda women. Known for its intricate patterns and dual-sided use, this craft has been passed down through generations, deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Toda tribe of the Nilgiri Hills.

Cultural Significance

The Toda tribe is one of the most ancient and unique communities in the Nilgiris. Their embroidery is a testament to their relationship with nature and their environment. The motifs often draw inspiration from birds, insects, animals, flowers, and various elements of nature, making each piece a representation of the community's lifestyle and spiritual connection to their surroundings.

Symbolism in Design

The designs are symbolic, ranging from floral motifs to representations of animals and human figures. Each motif is embroidered by meticulously counting the warp and weft threads of the coarsely woven cotton fabric, creating geometrically exact patterns that embody the tribe's rich artistic heritage. Notably, the ‘rough’ obverse side of the embroidery is considered the right side by the Toda people, showcasing generous loops of thread, while the reverse side is much neater and more apparent to outsiders as the display side.

Versatility and Modern Applications

While traditionally, Toda embroidery was used exclusively on the distinctive Pootkhull(zh)y garments, today's artisans have expanded its application to a variety of products including: - Pouches and Bags: As demonstrated by this beautiful GiTAGGED® pouch. - Spectacle Cases: Offering protection with a touch of elegance. - Wall Decors: Adding traditional art to modern interiors. - Luncheon Sets, Table Cloths, and Mats: Elevating dining experiences with unique textiles. - Bedspreads, Runners, Shawls, and Dupattas: Bringing a touch of culture and history to everyday life.

Uniqueness and Authenticity

Reversibility

The reversible nature of Toda embroidery sets it apart from other textile crafts. Each side of the embroidery presents a different aspect of the design: - Obverse Side: The 'right' side as per Toda tradition, displaying the bolder, looped threads. - Reverse Side: Featuring a neater finish, often considered the display side by outsiders.

Darning Stitch

The entire craftsmanship revolves around the precise use of the darning stitch, executed from the back of the fabric. This traditional technique involves an exacting process of counting threads,