Anyone with an interest in global textiles will know that India is blessed with a fantastically rich heritage. From fabulous dyed, woven and printed cloth to examples embellished with beautiful embroidery, stunning artefacts have been produced for royal courts and sacred spaces. But more humble, utilitarian pieces, such as quilts, also abound. As might be expected from such a large and varied country, regional textile styles have developed. Many quilters will be familiar with kantha quilts from north-east India (and Bangladesh) and ralli quilts made in north-west India (and Pakistan), but perhaps less so with the striking free-form quilts made by the Siddi people in the country’s south-western state of Karnataka.
Siddi are an ethnic tribe of African descent confined mostly to the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Their ancestors were largely brought to India as slaves, though some came as free people – such as sailors or merchants. Even
