A thread of history
The history of the 'nakshi kantha' is a long and glorious one. What was once a pastime for rural women, has over hundreds of years been the testimony of their lives and struggle in a poignant tale through threads and needles. The symbols prevalent in the 'nakshi kanthas' of the past bore motifs that were often religious and more often than not, symbols that affect their everyday lives.
In the last few decades, the 'nakshi' designs have somewhat been transformed and incorporated into dresses and even the sari. Bengali women maintain a close kinship with the sari and on events like the dawning of the new Bengali year, that connection becomes more pronounced.
The symbolism evident in 'nakshi' designs are innovative motifs indigenous to this land; some were primarily absorbed from the foreign cultures through social and financial mingling between different societies.
On this day of Pohela Boishakh 1422 we take a minute to delve into the story of the 'nakshi kantha' and the symbols associated with the 'kalka' or the paisley. From its Iranian origins we trace the journey of these motifs through varied forms and use.
Shubho noborsho!
Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel
Model: Arpita
Wardrobe: Kumudini
Make-up: Farzana Shakil
Styling: Tabassum Anila Hridi
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