Banjara Tribal Shisha Textile - Vintage Shisha Patch with Shells - Belly Dance

Shisha mirror textile patch from the Banjara people of India. Little pieces such as this one are used in various ways - sometimes on clothing and sometimes on animal adornment!  There are many different designs, but most are square or rectangular, and all are made by hand with mirrors secured to the fabric by embroidery stitches.  Use little pieces like this anywhere on clothing, accessories or costuming to add a bit of color and detail. 

The Banjara, or Lambani women (and other variations of this name) use brightly colored fabrics, shisha mirror work, beads and shells to embellish every part of their clothing and personal accessories. Mirrors and cowrie shells are added to the edges of blouses and hems of skirts and incorporated into tassels and jewelry. Every piece of fabric has at least some mirror work to attract the eye. Banjara women are holding tightly to their ancient modes of dress, which are said to be the most colorful and elaborate of any tribe in India. This exuberance in adornment is even extended to their animals!

Item No. TMP0061
Length: Approximately 4.5 inches, including shells
Width: Approximately 4 inches, including shells
Fabric Color:  Deep red
Embroidery Colors: Red, yellow, purple, green
Materials:  Fabric, thread, glass mirrors, natural shell
Condition of Mirrors:  Good condition, none missing or broken
Additional Info: In good condition overall
Country of Origin: India
Condition: Vintage

Please check photos carefully for condition. You will receive the exact piece(s) shown in the photos on this page. This is a USED piece that has previously been used as or adorned tribal clothing, accessories, household goods, animal trappings or other items. There may be small flaws such as frayed edges, fading, or wear, it may have raw edges or other flaws from repeated tribal use. Older mirrors may be scratched, cracked, or the reflective backing may be wearing off in places or perhaps almost entirely gone. Vintage hand made mirror pieces do not conform to exact measurements. Variance in length / width is to be expected.

A NOTE ON THE CONDITION OF TRIBAL ITEMS: Our tribal textile items are used tribal pieces from faraway lands. As used pieces our items may be frayed, faded or otherwise reflect their prior lives as treasured tribal pieces. Please know that we strive to maintain the tribal allure of our items and therefore we do not clean or repair these pieces in any way. This not only maintains the old, tribal look of each piece that our belly dance customers seek, but also preserves the value of a piece that the cleaning process may diminish.

We do our best to describe any flaws that may be present, and we encourage you to read the full description and look at all photos closely to judge the condition of the item for yourself and know exactly what you are ordering. If you have questions about the condition of any item, please ask!