Snake Charmer Quilt - Celestial Autumn Leaves

Vintage Snake Charmer Quilt from the nomadic Saami community of the Sindh region of Pakistan, with a style of hand stitched embroidery that is unique to this group. Snake charmers are not entertainers but rather they perform a religious function in the area that crosses between Hindu and Muslim (Sufi) religions. Traditionally, the snake charmers who would roam from village to village, and, sitting on their quilts, would play the been - a musical snake instrument. The stitches are said to represent different kinds of snakes.

The cultural significance of the quilts runs deep as they are mostly made for wedding dowry and then used for bedcovers, furniture covers, floor rugs, wraps in cold weather and baby cradles. They are mentioned in old Urdu and Sufi poetry and are also gifted to the holy men of these areas.  

This large piece, around 50 years old, is exceptionally detailed and in immaculate condiition, so it hasn't seen much use. 

Eye catching hot pink central zone surrounded by a large border in traditional black, the whole with detailed embroidery in various stitching styles, and unusually and whimsically stitched also, with random blue leaves.  Reverse side as beautifully stitched as the front, on a neatural background.

The close hand stitiching provides weight to this quilt.

With immaculate detailed and tiny close stitches of many different kinds, and eye catching candy pink colour, this is a unique, stunning and special quilt. 

Beautiful statement piece in a room, on a bed as a quilt, or framed on a wall.

Textile Book: Saami Quilts