Snake Charmer Quilt - Celestial Pink Border

Vintage Snake Charmer Quilt from the nomadic Saami community of the Sindh region of Pakistan, with a style of hand stitched embroidery that is unique to this group. Snake charmers are not entertainers but rather they perform a religious function in the area that crosses between Hindu and Muslim (Sufi) religions. Traditionally, the snake charmers who would roam from village to village, and, sitting on their quilts, would play the been - a musical snake instrument. The stitches are said to represent different knids of snakes.

The cultural significance of the quilts runs deep as they are mostly made for wedding dowry and then used for bedcovers, furniture covers, floor rugs, wraps in cold weather and baby cradles. They are mentioned in old Urdu and Sufi poetry and are also gifted to the holy men of these areas.  

This piece, around 50 years old, is exceptionally detailed and in immaculate condiition, so it hasn't seen much use. 

With a central black background and an unusual pink border, this pieces is exquisitely embroidered with many different types of stitiching, the rectangles diminishing to a central confidently mis-centred vertical orange pattern, sourrounded by delicate white zig zag stitching. THe reverse is soft grey fabric with some staining.

The close hand stitiching provides weight to this quilt.

With immaculate detailed and tiny close stitches of many different kinds,  this is a unique and stunning and special quilt. 

Beautiful statement piece in a room, on a bed or couch, or framed on a wall.

Textile Book: Saami Quilts