Saami Ralli Quilt

This is an exquisite example of a mid-century embroidered Ralli quilt, known to come from the nomadic Saami and Jogi (snake charmer) tribes of lower Sindh. The Saami people journey each year across the Thar Desert during their seasonal migration between India and Iran, primarily along the India-Pakistan border. Their quilts are made from recycled cotton cloth, hand-dyed and layered in a manner similar to traditional Kantha quilts.

What sets Saami Ralli's apart is their bold and intricate embroidery, stitched in thick, colourful threads over a solid fabric like this black piece, creating patterns so detailed they often resemble printed designs. These motifs, often arranged in concentric rectangles, reflect generations of artistic heritage passed down through oral tradition and practice.

More than just decorative textiles, this Saami quilt holds deep cultural significance. They are used in daily life as bedding, ceremonial gifts, and symbols of identity within the community. Each quilt tells a story—not just of the artisan who made it, but of the broader nomadic way of life, where craft, survival, and cultural memory are tightly interwoven.