What type of study is this?

This is a Ethnographic fieldwork study (also classified as: Visual-textile analysis).

September 10, 2025

Wool, Worship, and Weft: Cultural Semiotics in the Dhabhla Weave of Kutch

Key Points

The dhabhla weave embodies rich cultural significance, showcasing meanings through its motifs and colors.
Ethnographic fieldwork illustrates how weavers and users perceive the evolving symbols, reflecting a cultural dialogue.
The study highlights how market changes and design interventions may dilute the original meanings embedded in textiles.
Understanding these semiotic dimensions is crucial for preserving the intangible cultural heritage associated with these textiles.

Abstract

The Dhabhla weave of Kutch, Gujarat, is recognized as a lesser-known woolen textile tradition, deeply rooted in spiritual, symbolic, and cultural significance. Traditionally created by the Vankar weaving communities and used by the Rabari pastoralists, these textiles are valued not just for their utility but for the layered meanings woven into their motifs, colors, and ritual applications. This study investigates the semiotic dimensions of the Dhabhla weave through ethnographic fieldwork and visual-textile analysis. It focuses on how these embedded symbols are understood by both weavers and users, how their meanings have transformed over time, and what these shifts suggest for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. With evolving markets and the rise of contemporary design collaborations, the research also considers the effects of cultural translation, design intervention, and the potential dilution of symbolic content

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Cite This Study

Arooshi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68c18c089b7b07f3a0614940 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.36106/ijar/3716553

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