Dinesh Vishramji Vankar’s father won the President’s National Award for Craftsmanship in 1974 for an innovation on the Dhablo, a traditional Kutch wool blanket. These are made out of Raw Wool, in traditional colours. The thick weaved fabrics are first adorned by the trademark tie and dye craft of the region practised by the Khatri community. After which it is decorated with mirror work and embroidery by Rabari women. Thus, the weavers are at the crossroads of linking various communities of the region. Another interesting concept is the stitched joint that appears in the traditional Kutchhi Dhablo, using multi-coloured tie dye threads and buttons, which creates a point of focus. The Dhablo is made up of two parts stitched together, using a traditional hand-stitch known as ‘Khelavni’.
Hiraghiryu is an example of a traditional Dhablo
