Studio: Re-imaging the Vernacular

Tutor: Jay Thakkar

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The ethnographic field visit to Gundiyali, a terracotta craft village in Kutch, Gujarat, offered invaluable insights into the cultural and artisanal landscape of the community. The research focused on the lives and practices of the village’s artisans, particularly Ahmadbhai Kumbhaar and his family, who are renowned for their terracotta craftsmanship. Through immersive interactions, the visit captured the nuances of their daily lives, work processes, and the socio-cultural significance of their craft. Observing the intricate methods of the terracotta craft process, from sourcing clay to the final firing, highlighted the meticulous attention to detail and traditional knowledge passed down through generations. The study also explored the role of family dynamics and gender in sustaining the craft, with a particular focus on women’s contributions, often overshadowed by male-dominated narratives. By documenting their stories, the field visits not only preserved the vernacular essence of Gundiyali but also provided a platform to reimagine and narrate its legacy. The experience underscored the importance of ethnography in understanding and representing the lived realities of traditional artisans.

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Acknowledgement of the crafts family for this project: Ahmadbhai Kumbhar, Jusabbhai Kumbhar, Sharifaben,

Saraben and Marzina.