The Lambanis lead a gypsy life and mainly inhabit the Western Indian states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. A part of this tribal community is also found in the Northern region of Karnataka. The Lambani tribe of India speaks a language which is believed to have originated in the state of Rajasthan.
A unique facet of the costume of the Lambadi woman is its elaborate embroidery. This is usually combined with mirror work to produce the glitter and colour that are integral parts of the Lambani costume. The clothes of the Lambanis reflect their love for life and has evolved over the centuries to suit local climatic and social conditions.
This style of embroidery has been handed down from mother to daughter through many generations, thus making every daughter of the house a Lambani artist. The Lambani embroidery is an amalgam of pattern darning, mirror work, cross stitch, and overlaid and quilting stitches with borders of “Kangura” patchwork appliqué, done on loosely woven dark blue or red handloom base fabric. Exquisite needle work which is done on different kinds of fabric to create interesting patterns, done by nomadic women of the Banjara tribe only. Banjara embroidery is a unique combination of intricate appliqué, patchwork and fine embroidery. This embroidery is done with a mix of different kinds of raw material like mirrors, shells, aluminium buttons and jewellery pieces. Lambani embroidery, also to a large extent, comprises of the quilting technique which is done on the edge of the garment and is called "Katta". The colours on their garments signify their lifestyle. The most commonly used colours are red and yellow. Red signifies marriage and fertility while yellow signifies vitality and strength. The distinctiveness of the Lambani embroidery is the random designs and bright colours that is so traditional to this tribe.
