Thirma Phulkari

Phulkari are embroidered shawls that are part of rural women’s dowry. They originated in Punjab part of which became India and the other part belong to Pakistan.The bride to be would start work while young, working from the back of plain cotton and employing stitches that would show as much of the silk  threads on the front.

Hindu phulkaris feature naturalistic motifs such as human figures and farm animals. Muslim phulkaris, such as this one, tend to be more abstract. The natural-colored ground indicates this was made in the 19th century, and features a design of pink diamonds with abstracted green trees or plants in the center. The top and bottom edges are decorated with multi-colored zig zag patterns.