Janamaz (Prayer Mat)
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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