Anitha N - Siddi Kavand

Kavand Quilts of Karnataka’s Siddi Communities

In the villages of Uttara Kannada, Dharwad, and Haveri districts the stories of nomadic communities are stitched into colorful tapestries. Multi-colored abstract quilts known as “kavands” originated in the Siddi community. These quilts are hand-stitched from layers of old clothes and frayed saree scraps.

Anitha N embarked on a journey to Analesara village in the Western Ghats in 2004 where the Siddi kavands first captured her attention. Noting the fading legacy of this age-old practice, she collaborated with Siddi women to preserve their tradition and create income opportunities by introducing their quilts to urban markets.

Siddi quilts serve both functional and sentimental roles, used as mattresses in summer and light blankets during the monsoon season and winter. What sets Siddi quilts apart is their creativity and resourcefulness, each being a unique expression of its maker. Additionally, these quilting traditions embody sustainability and slow fashion principles. Durable, sturdy, and easily repairable, each quilt is designed to be passed down through generations, telling stories of families – they are a tapestry of memories and survival for a displaced group.

Anitha N’s dedication to preserving these quilting traditions has not gone unnoticed. The Victoria and Albert Museum awarded a grant to Anitha N for her project titled “Hinged by Fabric,” a collaboration between herself and the Siddi artisans of Karnataka, facilitated by the Australian Centre.