Silver craft has evolved as an expression of Kachhh’s diverse cultural identities.  Each distinct Kachchh community wears jewellery designed and crafted in traditional form.  Silver jewellery remains an integral part of local dress and a symbol of identity.

Kachchh Silver

Kachchh silver craft is both diverse and specialized. Kachchh silver is crafted in many forms. While there is a broad range of locally crafted jewellery, silver artisans specialize in producing the traditional jewellery form unique to the one community they traditionally lived and worked with.

Silver craft is an expression of Kachhh’s diverse cultural identities.

Some techniques used in Kachchh include wire wrapping, hand embossing and impressing, repoussage and chasing, and hammering. However, there are very few techniques and tools that are common to all Kachchh silver artisans.  Because silver products are community-based, artisans’ tools, equipment, workshops, techniques, and skill sets are particular to the type of jewellery they craft.

Local Markets

Over the last century, the local demand for traditional silver products has declined substantially.  Kachchh has been plagued by droughts which have repeatedly devastated the region’s agriculture-dependant livelihoods.

At one time, these agriculturalists migrated to Sindh (now a region in Pakistan) to avoid drought-related hardships.  However, after the 1947 partition, Sindh became a part of Pakistan and pastoralists were confined to mainland Kachchh where they were at the mercy of the region’s harsh climate.  During droughts, the agricultural communities that support the traditional silver industry can not afford to buy silver jewellery.

local demand for traditional silver products has declined substantially.

The 2001 earthquake was the final blow to Kachchh’s traditional silver industry.  The earthquake destroyed workshops and equipment.  Hardly 30 silver craft units were left in its wake.

Products

There are 10 different types of jewellery produced in Kachchh which includes over 20 types of earrings, 20 types of bangles and bracelets, 9 types of anklets, 30 types of necklaces, 2 types of amulets, 8 types of rings, 2 types of hair accessories, 2 types of toe rings and 2 types of nose rings.

In addition to jewellery, Kachchh silver artisans craft other products such as buttons, vases, serving trays, and toothpicks. Kachchh silver craft’s uniqueness exceeds design and product range.  Kachchh silver is recognized for its unique white quality which resists tarnish.  It is also distinguished by the brightly-coloured glass meena which artisans often use to accentuate traditional designs.

For more information about Kachchh craft traditions, livelihoods,challenges and opportunities, read about KHAMIR's impact or hear craft stories from Kachchh artisans.