Leather Work

The indigenous community of Meghwals are prime producers of leather work in the Kutch district of Gujarat. This is one of those timeless crafts which has grown to combine traditional methods of design with modern functionalities. Its production is a combined effort between men and women. The men fashion the product from the leather while the women embellish it with mirrors and bead work. Originally, the craft was used to make saddles for elephants and horses, sword sheaths and accessories for war. Today, it is used to make beautiful bags and shoes with colourful tassels and embellishments.