Pattu Craft of Western Rajasthan: Design Interventions in View of Changing Socio-Cultural Environment

Abstract

The paper assesses the impact of changing social and cultural environment on Pattu craft of western Rajasthan. Pattu blankets were closely woven into the lives of local people, however with the changing lifestyle and evolving markets, it has become necessary for weavers to make changes, with context to design, color, material and end-product, to be able to sustain. Pattu is losing its traditional flavor for the conventional requirements do not hold well in the current environment. In-depth interviews with the weavers and local people helped in understanding factors contributing to the change, and usage and relevance of pattu among locals. This paper highlights the recent prevalent trends in the craft and the need for coherent work collaborations that support progressive growth for the craft.

Keywords:

• Pattu
• craft
• design
• traditional
• weaving
• environment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shalu Rustagi

Shalu Rustagi is a research scholar at the Department of Design in Banasthali Vidyapith pursuing her Ph.D., from the university. She is also working as Professor in Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (Jaipur). She is a textile technologist and has work experience in textile industry and design education for last twenty years. She has closely worked with craft artisans of different Indian crafts through workshops, trainings, projects and craft documentations. She has made a conscious effort to integrate craft and skills into education to sensitise students to the crafts and prepare them for responsible design intervention and work in crafts. Email: [email protected]