|
Mojari
is a generic name of
handcrafted
ethnic
footwear
produced in
India. These
are made by
artisans mostly
using vegetable tanned
leather. The
uppers are made of one piece of
leather or
textile
embroidered and embellished with brass nails,
cowries
shells,
mirrors,
bells and
ceramic
beads. Even the
bonding from
the upper to the
sole is done by
cotton thread that is not only
eco-friendly
but also enmeshes the leather
fibers with
great strength. Some product range also uses bright and ornate
threads.
In
ancient times
these were worn by multitude and royalty. As it evolved through the
centuries and is being produced by individual artisans, products vary
in designs and colours. It encapsules
cultural diversity,
local ethos and ethnicity.
The
ethnicity of the traditional skills accentuate into poetry when
intermingled with the contemporary colours and designs. Applique in
form of differently designed figures are cut out of leather and sewn
on the vamp manually. The design would dictate the nature, colour and
shape of the appliqué. It could range from an intricate appliqué which
itself could incorporate other design features like embroidery,
punches, weaves, etc., to a simple cut out shape from any material
like leather, textile, synthetic, etc
India has a
very long tradition of leather crafts ranging from handbags, leather
stools to Mojaris, Kolhapuris and Jootis centered at
Rajasthan,
Karnataka &
Punjab. The
production of these heavily embroidered
juttis date
back to the period of Kings and queens. In those times, these juttis
were embroidered with real gold and silver threads and decorated with
precious gems and pearls. But, with the passage of time, these were
replaced by artificial materials, beads, bells etc, in order to make
them affordable for everyone. These juttis & mojaries are made of
buffalo, cow or camel leather soles, while the upper part comprises
leather or simply textile. Both the parts are joined together by a
paste and then stitched by white cotton threads.
Mojari is
referred to a man's closed shoe with an extended curled toe, while as
juttis have flat fronts. In juttis, rear is normally covered but
mojaris have an open look from behind. Produced mainly in
Jaipur and
Jodhpur, cities
of
Rajasthan,
these juttis are sure to enchant you and provide that
royal touch to
your attire. These shoes were flat soled and there were no left-right
distinction.
The
ordinary Mojari is either pointed in shape, or rounded. The different
forms are known as gol-panja (Round Toe), chota-panja (Small Toe),
salem shahi (Pointed Toe).
Slip-on jooties,
sandals and slippers are a few modernized versions of Mojaris. With
passage of time and dictated by technological improvement and market
demand, non-leather is also, now, being used for its production. |
Jootie
