The village of Pipili, Puri district, Odisha, India, is well known for its appliqué work, traditionally known as Chandua in state of Odisha in India. "Appliqué" comes from the French word appliquer meaning "to put on". There are two variants to this technique: appliqué, where a fabric shape is sewn over a base layer, and reverse appliqué, wherein two layers of fabric are laid down, and a shape is subsequently cut out from the upper layer, exposing the lower layer, before both are stitched together. It is one of the products which has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) by the government of India.

Origins

Pipili appliqué work owes its origin to the culture of Lord Jagannath during the 12th century. Earlier appliqué canopies, umbrellas and lanterns were prepared by the Gajapatis for the annual Puri Rath Yatra of Jagannath. The tradition still continues in the Lord Jagannath temple and Rath Yatra after of centuries in the state of Odisha.

Pipili is a small town, situated about 20 kms from Bhubaneswar, the Capital of Odisha. The town is famous for its handicrafts (appliqué works) is recognised a tourist destination for exploring artisan work and their practise.

Design & Usage

The base material used in Pipli applique work is cloth. Mythical and natural figures part of Hindu Mythology are used for the work, including various characters like peacocks, ducks, parrots, trees, elephants, creepers, flowers such as jasmine and lotus, the Sun, half-moon, and Rahu (a mythical demon who once swallowed up the sun). The craft involves embroidering and stitching. For attaching the pieces of cloth the makers use straight stitch, satin stitch, blind stitch, or buttonhole stitch. Sometimes they also make mirror work and many decorative stitches.

Summary

At Ekamra we are supporting local artisans in Pipli and promoting their handicrafts through platform. Our endeavour is conserve the traditional artform from centuries and promote it for a wider reach and audience.