Published Paper Details:

This paper aims to introduce the representation of female deities in folk textiles of Gujarat, namely the Mata-ne-pachhedi. Several sorts of goddesses, including the concept of Saptmatrikas, are usually depicted in this ceremonial textile, made and used by the Vaghari, a nomadic community in Ahmedabad. The paper gives a wholistic introduction to these female folk deities, worshipped by the community. The tradition is said to be centuries old but has survived tremendously over the years. Even today, it is frequently made by the community with some sort of significant change. In addition, this ritualist textile is called dye-painted and printed fabrics, technically because of the use of mordants and vegetable dyes. Earlier sources indicate the complete hand-drawn and block-printed methods of making, but in a later phase, Mata-ne-pachhedi has prevailed in screen printing and other newly introduced makingmethods. A new grammar of designs and motifs, themes, and depictions have been introduced in these years. Paper focuses on all these aspects of this textile, specifically contemporary changes in pictorial compositions due to screen printing application on it.