Woollen Blanket / گبہ کداعی
33.7670° N 74.0094° E
Poonch Jammu and Kashmir
Altitude
4700m above sea level
Gender
51% male
49% female
2% trans
Population
476,835
Gabbas are carpets that are coarsely embroidered in bright, eye-catching colours for everyday use.
Gabba making is a time taking and a tedious process.
Gabbas versus Qaleen are also known as poor man's carpet.
Women of the community fetch drinking water either from someone's home or from a spring (Chashma).
They often go out to buy material from their local shops and sometimes from nearby villages when they travel to meet their parents The practice of making has declined significantly in their communities which is why the local markets often do not have the tools and the material they require.
Step 1
Drawing is done on
tracing or butter paper.
Step 2
Then this drawing is passed
on (Chappa) a blanket or rug
with wet lime powder on
black and charcoal or graphite
rod on white blanket.
Step 3
A basic outlining (ghera) is
done on this charcoal print.
This outline is embroidered
with a hook called Aari.
Step 4
Lastly these designs and
motifs are filled (Bharai)
mostly with bright
contrasting colours.
Step 5
After finishing it is washed
and ironed gently.
(Master craftsmen sometimes
skip a few steps due to their
experiences).
Out of respect for their profession, it is believed that the tools must never be touched with feet. In case it does, the tool must be lifted, kissed, followed by touching it lightly on the forehead.
4
hours of night
for 3-4 months