The history of leather crafting and embroidery on leather goods in Himachal Pradesh is fascinating. Two types of footwear, plain and embroidered chappals, are crafted by men and women respectively. These handcrafted leather chappals come in natural shades and various colors. Traditional Chamba Chappals, whether plain or embroidered, are known for their exceptional comfort. They are adorned with multicolored threads - red, black, green, yellow, and blue, along with imitation gold thread. Besides chappals, a variety of shoes, sandals, socks, and belts are also available. Modern trends have introduced new designs and varieties of leather goods alongside traditional ones.
The sandal design is inspired by the nose ring known as Baloo in the local Chambayali language, worn by women during weddings and festivals.
These sandals, designed specifically for women, resemble a snake's hood and have three variations: Kadhai (fleck), color decoration, and natural.
The design of fish slippers mimics the graceful posture of swimming fish, portraying their nose, eyes, and fins.
This design captures the allure of the moon after a full moon night, known as Chaanani.
The primary production areas for Chamba Chappals, including various embroidered footwear and leather socks, are Mehla, Bhattiyat, Tisa, and Salooni in the Chamba district.
The origins of Chamba Chappals trace back to 1808 when a Katoch princess commissioned beautifully embroidered leather footwear from a cobbler in Panj Baria village. Since then, this craft has flourished in Chamba, becoming popularized during the British colonial era.
The chappal design is based on market demand and raw materials, with patterns made for vamp, quarter, upper, and sole.
Leather is sourced from outside due to restrictions, with different grades used for various chappal parts.
Leather sheets are soaked in water to soften them before cutting.
Intricate embroidery is done by women, inspired by local flora, fauna, and aquatic life.
Parts are assembled using synthetic adhesive and stitching machines.
Similar to Chamba chappals, these are crafted with women embroidering the vamp designs spontaneously.
Made by male artisans, these chappals involve cutting, pasting, and stitching, with attention to preserving the shape.
Main products include various types of embroidered and plain chappals, leather socks, shoes, sandals, and belts.
Chamba Chappals are known for their artistic details, comfort, and durability. Embroidery with multicolored threads and imitation gold thread adds to their charm.
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