Textiles of the Banjara Book Review

Textiles of the Banjara Review – Vibrant Heritage Woven in Cloth

Book Overview

• Title: Textiles of the Banjara: Cloth and Culture of a Wandering Tribe
• Authors: Charlotte Kwon & Tim McLaughlin
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (2016)
• Format: Hardcover, 192 pages, generous large format (~30 × 22 cm) with high-quality photography and illustrations.
• ISBN: 978-0500518373 / 0500518378.

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What Makes the Book Stand Out

• First-of-its-kind study: The book fills a crucial gap as the first dedicated exploration of Banjara embroidery, textiles, and their deep cultural significance.
• Engaging storytelling and scholarship: It blends historical context, cultural narrative, and unique imagery—detailing Banjara origins, itinerant lifestyle, colonial transformations, and contemporary revival efforts.
• Visual richness: Packed with vibrant, full-color photos and line-drawings showcasing stunning Banjara embroidery, attire, and ornamentation.
• Cultural identity explored: Captures how textiles signal regional origin, marital status, and identity—woven with resilience and artistry of Banjara women.
• Critical acclaim: Highly praised—Selvedge magazine exclaims it “should be required reading for anyone who does not consider that textiles are a subject for serious study”. Midwest Book Review labels it “very highly recommended” for both academic and general-interest readers The Free Library.
• Community resonance: A Goodreads reviewer notes its thorough research, clarity in stitch analysis, cultural insight, and impactful discussion on ethical livelihood support through embroidery initiatives.

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Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Deep historical and cultural insight	Large format can be heavy (≈1.35 kg)
Stunning photography and illustrations	Higher price point (e.g. £29.95)
Celebrates Banjara women’s artistry	May be dense for casual or non-visual readers
Includes revival and NGO efforts	Limited inside (academic) availability in some regions

Why You Should Read It

Whether you’re into textile art, cultural anthropology, or simply admiring beauty through ethnographic photography, this book offers:

• A deep dive into the lives and traditions of the Banjara through their textiles
• Visually stunning pages filled with embroidery, mirrors, cowries, and vibrant motifs
• Insight into how art intersects with identity, survival, and empowerment
• A bridge between tradition and contemporary revival—including sustainable craft initiatives