India - Rajasthan - Barbati: nomadic woman in Thar desert

Barbati, a nomad dressed in the traditional attire of the Bhopa community from the desert region around Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, sits on a stone step with her toddler on her lap. She wears a traditional ensemble consisting of a vividly coloured veil (known as an odhni or dupatta) and a printed blouse (choli), as well as a floor-length, loose-fitting skirt (ghagra). A striking feature is the large, golden nose ring, which is artfully fastened to her hair or ear by a chain. In many rural regions of Rajasthan, this piece of jewellery signifies a woman’s marital status. On her forehead, a round, glittering pendant sits directly at the hairline, a typical element of Rajasthani wedding and festive attire. On her wrists she wears thick, traditional bangles (often made of imitation ivory, bone or colourful plastic), which can cover almost the entire forearm and are firmly rooted in the regional culture. – 1990

The nomad Barbati in traditional, colourful festive dress. The striking pink veil covers her head and is often artfully draped over her shoulders. On her forearms she wears stacked, wide bangles in the traditional colours of white, red and blue, typically made from imitation ivory, plastic or glass. A delicate, traditional tattoo pattern can be seen on the back of her hand. – Jaisalmer – 1990

This portrait of the nomad Barbati is characterised by a wealth of symbolic and ornate jewellery: on her forehead, just beneath her veil, she wears a round, bell-shaped ornament. This piece of jewellery is typical of married women in Rajasthan. A large, delicately crafted nose ring, attached to the hair or behind the ear with a fine chain (often studded with pearls). It is traditionally regarded as a sign of marital status. – Jaisalmer – 1990

The bright pink veil worn by the nomad Barbati covers her hair and is typical of women from the region around Jaisalmer. It serves both as protection from the sun and as a sign of respect. The striking, round ornament on her forehead is a traditional hairpiece often worn by married women in Rajasthan. The large, elaborately decorated golden nose ring is connected to the earrings or her hair by a delicate chain. She wears a bindi on her forehead. Her neck is adorned with several heavy, traditional necklaces (some decorated with coins). – 1990

The bright pink veil worn by the nomad Barbati covers her hair and is typical of women from the region around Jaisalmer. It serves both as protection from the sun and as a sign of respect. The striking, round ornament on her forehead is a traditional hairpiece often worn by married women in Rajasthan. The large, elaborately decorated golden nose ring is connected to the earrings or her hair by a delicate chain. She wears a bindi on her forehead. – 1990

Barbati, a nomad from the Thar Desert, makes chapati, the flatbread known in various forms throughout the Near East. She kneads flour, salt and water into a smooth dough, which she shapes into a round disc between her hands, much like a pizza chef, and then cooks in a pan, turning it several times. – 1990

Barbati, a nomad, is preparing dough outdoors whilst wearing her traditional Indian attire. She is dressed in a colourful ensemble consisting of a dark top and skirt with a floral pattern, as well as a bright pink veil (dupatta or odhni) covering her head. Her jewellery is very striking and includes several necklaces (including one with coin pendants), bangles on both wrists, earrings and traditional headdresses. In front of her stands a clay bowl containing dough, and she is currently shaping a ball of dough with her hands. Next to the bowl is a small bottle of oil. – Jaisalmer region – 1990

Barbati, a nomad, is preparing dough outdoors whilst wearing her traditional Indian attire. She is dressed in a colourful ensemble consisting of a dark top and skirt with a floral pattern, as well as a bright pink veil (dupatta or odhni) covering her head. Her jewellery is very striking and includes several necklaces (including one with coin pendants), bangles on both wrists, earrings and traditional headdresses. In front of her stands a clay bowl containing dough, and she is currently shaping a chapati with her hands. Next to the bowl is a small bottle of oil. – Jaisalmer region – 1990

Making dough for flatbreads is a daily ritual in almost every Indian household. The everyday, unleavened flatbread chapati is made from whole wheat flour (atta) and water. Preparation: Flour and water are mixed in a shallow bowl (often made of clay, brass, or wood, called a parat) and kneaded vigorously until a smooth dough forms. This is divided into small, uniform balls and rolled between the palms of the hands. The balls are either rolled flat with a rolling pin (belan) or flattened by hand. The bread is baked directly in the embers. – Jaisalmer region – 1990

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