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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. |
Mojari
