The Story of Gabba Kadai
This video presents a brief overview of Gabba-making practices in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Gabbas are coarse, brightly embroidered carpets used for everyday purposes and are sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s carpet” in contrast to Qaleens.
The production process is labour-intensive and time-consuming. Respect for tools used in crafting is observed through specific rituals. If a tool is touched by feet, it is lifted, kissed, and touched to the forehead. However, the practice of making Gabbas has declined, which has led to a shortage of necessary tools and materials in local markets. As a result, materials are often sourced from nearby villages during visits or from local shops. In addition to their craftwork, women in the community also carry out essential domestic activities such as fetching drinking water from springs (Chashma) or neighbours’ homes.
This exhibit looks at the story of the craft that is made up of time, matter and motivation. It particularly revisits the relationship between the tools, the material and motivations, the land, and the hand that makes the craft. The aim is to preserve the local practice embedded in landscape and leverage it for sustainable economic development of craft communities.