Maniya
Handcrafted by Sushila.
A maniya is a bead. The Kalbeliya community of the Thar desert in Rajasthan traditionally used beads as money, talismans and for adornment. This legacy lives on through Sushila's exquisitely intricate jewelry.
When beading the jewelry, Sushila does not use a needle. Instead she uses a traditional method of twisting the thread to thread each bead! You can see this in the video.
The beading is worked vertically The necklaces, for instance, 40 strands are beaded vertically to create the piece.
Here is a selection of beadwork that can be worn as an anklet or a bracelet. These make for a wonderful gift for any occasion. Each comes in its own cotton pouch, and is accompanied by a card describing this work.
In the images below:
- Sushila embroidering a gudri (blanket).
- Her home.
- Video of Sushila beading.
- Her sister-in-law wearing a necklace Sushila made.
Photography by Shefali Martins.
100% of the proceeds of the sale of these pieces goes to Sushila.
Handmade in India.
