Leather tanning as art form
reached its zenith in India by 3000 B.C. The earliest skins used were of
tiger and deer. Skin mats were used by rishis, the holy men living in
forests.
This is an old hereditary craft and is probably as wide spread
as earthenware. Because of its wide prevalence in the rural areas, much
of the tanning is locally done by indigenous methods which are pretty
laborious.
India's largest leather products are in the footwear line. The
traditional ones are more original, individualistic and colourful, and
largely embroidered or done up in brocade or decorated textile. The
extremely comfortable and fashionable Kolhapuri chappals are made in
Maharashtra.
A particular type of thickish shoes called mojdis are made in
Rajasthan. Sewn out of locally cured leather, they are usually
ornamented with silk or metal embroidery or beads, or designs done in
applique with thin leather pieces of different colours. Soft and
delicate, the pair can be rolled into a little ball.
An equally colourful item is
the
knuckle pad on which are embroidered dainty choice miniature landscapes
and festive scenes, as in Rajput paintings. Ornately decorated saddles
for horses and camels, a type of water bottle called kopi, beautifully
shaped lamps and lamp shades are other fascinating items.
Shantiniketan under poet Tagore's guidance blazed the trail for the
modern decorative leather items, which include current utility articles.
Leather work of Kashmir is very ornamental. In Punjab, applique is done
with coloured leather pieces. Karnataka has been noted for leather with
metallic gold or silvery finish or painted with figures or animals,
mostly to form epic scenes. Madhya Pradesh's red leather embroidered
with gold and silk is unique.
Leather work is found in its finest avatar in the field of book
binding. Here, designs are painted on the leather, having been first
outlined with a brass block.
Fascinating articles are made out of crocodile and snake skin such as
wallets, pouches, handbags and belts.
