This Camel cover was crafted by the Rabari people in Gujarat, India during the middle of the 20th century.
It features brightly colored applique in a very distinctive format. This format is made by the Rabari people of the Kutch region of Gujarat and specifically for a camel. The camel was the Rabari's traditional source of livelihood and is still culturally important. In their origin story, Shiva put them on earth to tend to the camels. During special occasions, camels are decorated with various colorful textiles made from applique and embroidery. The cover seen here is characteristic of the figural applique that the Rabari are famed for.
In Fair condition with some wear and color run. Some of the fabric and metallic have worn down. This was almost certainly used for multiple ceremonies.
Special Provenance: Previously owned by artist Carol Summers and featured on the cover of her book Yet Another Treasury of Indian Folk Textiles (as pictured).
Size: 4'8" x 7'1" [142cm x 216cm]
Age: Mid Century
Country of Origin: Kutch, Gujarat
Type of Textile: Applique Camel Cover
Material: Silk, cotton, and metallic thread
Condition: Fair - some staining, color run, and fabric worn to threadbare in some areas
TX366
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