Author Topic: Punjabi Jutti (Read 9540 times)

Kudi Nepal Di · « **on:** June 19, 2010, 08:33:04 AM »

The shoes made in different parts of Punjab out of self lured leather have different traditions. Light shoes were considered the best and to explain this aspect the cobblers used to say that even the sparrows can fly with them. Earlier shoes which have come to be known as Punjabi Juttis throughout the world were embroidered with gold and silver wires all over in different patterns covering every parts of the pair so that it looked as if it was made of solid gold and silver. Now even when golden and silver threads are used to embroider these shoes, the quality of these world famous shoes is still maintained.

A little history about the Punjabi Jutti or beaded shoes is very interesting. It sounds like it may be a lost art or one that becomes very rare given modernization. There are people trying to keep the traditional ways of making these shoes survive!

Till recently, the cobbler was one of the essential workmen of the village community in North west India including Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & kashmir. He was entitled to have the skins of all animals dying a natural death, or to share themwith the village sweepers. Apart from his right to the skins of dead animals, he also got a share or fixed amount of produce, which varied from place to place. In return he was required to supply shoes to the whole family of his patrons once or twice a year, and to provide cattle thongs, plough gear, headstalls for cattle and other leather products of agricultural utility.

With modernisation and machines taking over for most manufacturing activities, the punjabi jutti was slowly losing its presence and glory. And so most of the craftsmen were looking for alternative means of occupation. Manufacture of Punjabi juttis or Khussas needs no machines. It only needs recognition. The craftsmen are still there. What is needed is someone who would admire their products and buy them.

Author Topic: Punjabi Jutti (Read 9540 times)

Kudi Nepal Di

Punjabi Jutti

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