Beadwork is another Gujarati specialty. Motifs and patterns are dictated by the technique of putting two and three beads together. Beadwork objects are used in wall decorations, potholders, etc. The best beadwork is produced by the 'kathis' (tribals). Worked mostly on a white background they use colours that are vibrant with very distinct patterns. Beadwork 'torans' (welcoming friezes) are usually suspended over doorways.
KHAMBAT: THE CENTRE FOR BEAD MAKING
Just an hour's drive from Ahmedabad, the artisans of Khambat (Cambay) continue the craft of stone cutting and bead making, which began in ancient times. Agate is mined in the hills along the Gulf of Khambat.
THE PROCESS OF BEAD-MAKING:
Here, they are dried and heated till they fracture regularly, and then cut and reheated with iron oxide. The stone is then chipped and flaked into beads, before grinding, drilling and polishing.
The final product is set into ornaments or utensils. Other precious and semi precious stones are also cut and polished in Khambhat. Products range in price from Rs. 15/- for an earring to Rs. 3000/- or more for an entire set. Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh and other places are also known for beadwork.