Mojari
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| Mojari | |
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 An embellished Mojari |
Mojari is a generic name of handcrafted ethnic footwear produced in India. These are made by artisans mostly using vegetable tanned leather. The uppers are made of one piece of leather or textile embroidered and embellished with brass nails, cowries shells, mirrors, bells and ceramic beads. Even the bonding from the upper to the sole is done by cotton thread that is not only eco-friendly but also enmeshes the leather fibers with great strength. Some product range also uses bright and ornate threads.
In ancient times these were worn by multitude and royalty. As it evolved through the centuries and is being produced by individual artisans, products vary in designs and colours. It encapsules cultural diversity, local ethos and ethnicity.
The ethnicity of the traditional skills accentuate into poetry when intermingled with the contemporary colours and designs. Applique in form of differently designed figures are cut out of leather and sewn on the vamp manually. The design would dictate the nature, colour and shape of the appliqué. It could range from an intricate appliqué which itself could incorporate other design features like embroidery, punches, weaves, etc., to a simple cut out shape from any material like leather, textile, synthetic, etc.
[edit] History
India has a very long tradition of leather crafts ranging from handbags, leather stools to Mojaris, Kolhapuris and Jootis centered at Rajasthan, Karnataka & Punjab. The production of these heavily embroidered juttis date back to the period of Kings and queens. In those times, these juttis were embroidered with real gold and silver threads and decorated with precious gems and pearls. But, with the passage of time, these were replaced by artificial materials, beads, bells etc, in order to make them affordable for everyone. These juttis & mojaries are made of buffalo, cow or camel leather soles, while the upper part comprises leather or simply textile. Both the parts are joined together by a paste and then stitched by white cotton threads.
Mojari is referred to a man's closed shoe with an extended curled toe, while as juttis have flat fronts. In juttis, rear is normally covered but mojaris have an open look from behind. Produced mainly in Jaipur and Jodhpur, cities of Rajasthan, these juttis are sure to enchant you and provide that royal touch to your attire. These shoes were flat soled and there were no left-right distinction.
The ordinary Mojari is either pointed in shape, or rounded. The different forms are known as gol-panja (Round Toe), chota-panja (Small Toe), salem shahi (Pointed Toe). Slip-on jooties, sandals and slippers are a few modernized versions of Mojaris. With passage of time and dictated by technological improvement and market demand, non-leather is also, now, being used for its production.
