Kantha: The Embroidered Quilts of Bengal

Kantha is a type of embroidery popular in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India. The Sanskrit word kontha means 'rags.' The use of kantha is popular in saris traditionally worn by women in Bengal. Originally it was used to join layers of old saris, to make quilts. It was also used as a means of self expression by both urban and rural women in Bengal. Check out this amazing exhibition at the Philadelphia Art Museum http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/364.html