Jamila – Kuchi patterns

JAMILA – KUCHI PATTERNS – BUNDLE OF 90 SEAMLESS, TILEABLE, EDITABLE PATTERN VECTOR FILES

“Jamila is a Kuchi name for girls in Afghanistan.”

The Kuchi are a social rather than an ethnic grouping, although they also have some of the characteristics of a distinct ethnic group and form an important part of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage.

Traditionally nomadic, some still follow their traditional livelihood of nomadic herding, though many have become farmers or settled in cities.

The embroidery or needlework is usually found on chest patches, sleeves and on skirts. Traditional dress consists of a blouse and skirt which is also used while performing traditional tribal dances.

This section includes many of the following Kuchi elements: stitching pieces of mirror, decorative beads and coins onto clothes, use of patchwork and shells.

The designs of the patterns are based on traditional Afghan embroideries which have been simplified and modernised. I have also added a range of different colour palettes to make them more versatile and widely accessible, keeping current tastes in mind. By making these time-honoured styles more usable and practical for use by new generations of designers worldwide, it is my hope that I can in a small way help create a bridge between East and West.

ETHNIC GROUPS OF AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan is a multiethnic society, consisting of a number of ethnic groups or tribes, which have collectively resided in the region for hundreds of years. They each have their own culture and specific ways of living, defined by unwritten codes and customs, and this is often reflected in their traditional embroidery.

EMBROIDERY

Embroidery in Afghanistan is done by women and young girls who create exquisite work to express themselves. They communicate visual stories to their close relations, from mother to daughter and tribe to tribe and maybe even to the wider world, thus ensuring the survival of their handed down traditions. Embroidery is also used to celebrate festive occasions.

The women equally embroider for their values and their love for their husbands and children and the embroideries serve to decorate fabrics used for curtains, cushions, dresses and shawls amongst others.

They are works of beauty and love, sparkling with motifs and patterns representing the sun, the moon, fruits, animals, landscapes, stars, flowers and petals, colours and exotic trees and flowers.