Goan Kunbi Saree Mukulika
A traditional dressing style of the Goans is the famous Kunbi Saree. Traditionally, the Kunbi is a cotton chequered sari in red and white with a sturdy weave good enough to be worn for farming. A dobby border, which is essentially a silken flat inset in the original Kunbi can be found.Associated with the Kunbi tribe of Goa, the saree is worn by the Kunbi and Gawda tribes, who are the original inhabitants of Goa. The apparel is centuries old and existed even before the arrival of the Portuguese. During the colonial rule, the culture of the Kunbi tribes, including the wearing of these sarees disappeared since the Portuguese forced Goans to change their dressing style. However, it was revived by the government and the tribe itself after the Portuguese left, from 1961 onwards.
The saree was uniquely designed to enable the women to work freely in the fields, and was also comfortable enough to do household chores. The saree is shorter in length than a normal 5-6 yards saree. Hence, when one wears it, it doesn't fully cover the legs. The drape is flared from the waist onwards, adding to comfort. The weave is strong and sturdy, so it doesn't wear away easily. Its interesting to note that most Kunbis are now woven in Karnataka!
Saree length : 5.5 metres
Fabric : Cotton
Colour : Pink shot with Red
A traditional dressing style of the Goans is the famous Kunbi Saree. Traditionally, the Kunbi is a cotton chequered sari in red and white with a sturdy weave good enough to be worn for farming. A dobby border, which is essentially a silken flat inset in the original Kunbi can be found.Associated with the Kunbi tribe of Goa, the saree is worn by the Kunbi and Gawda tribes, who are the original inhabitants of Goa. The apparel is centuries old and existed even before the arrival of the Portuguese. During the colonial rule, the culture of the Kunbi tribes, including the wearing of these sarees disappeared since the Portuguese forced Goans to change their dressing style. However, it was revived by the government and the tribe itself after the Portuguese left, from 1961 onwards.
The saree was uniquely designed to enable the women to work freely in the fields, and was also comfortable enough to do household chores. The saree is shorter in length than a normal 5-6 yards saree. Hence, when one wears it, it doesn't fully cover the legs. The drape is flared from the waist onwards, adding to comfort. The weave is strong and sturdy, so it doesn't wear away easily. Its interesting to note that most Kunbis are now woven in Karnataka!
Saree length : 5.5 metres
Fabric : Cotton
Colour : Pink shot with Red