Janamaz (Prayer Mat)

54.7

Janamaz (Prayer Mat)

54.7

Description

Prayer mats (janamaz) were made in large numbers in Masulipatnam, Andhra Pradesh and were used by the local Muslim community. They were done in the kalamkari technique, which literally means 'pen work' where a bamboo pen or kalam is used to draw freely the design on the cloth. The design is block printed and then is painted with kalam. This 200-year-old janamaz is made up of six pieces from a larger textile and stitched together. The design recalls mosque architecture with its dome and central mihrab.

Collection

Textiles and Costumes of India

Object Type

Cloth

Material

Block Printed and painted on cloth

Schools/Culture/Period

Kalamkari

Technique

Kalamkari

Date

19th century CE

Location

Masulipatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Dimension

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