Siddi women Kawanid/quilts:Empowering Tradition, 1 Quilt at a Time

Siddi women Kawanid/quilts known locally as Kawanid, are more than handmade fabrics — they are living stories stitched with the heritage, resilience, and strength of India’s Siddi community. Each quilt reflects creativity, identity, and the spirit of women empowering their culture through craft.

In the serene villages tucked within the Western Ghats, where lush forests embrace sprawling farmlands, Siddi women transform threads into more than fabric — they weave legacies of life, love, and perseverance.

Each Kawanid quilt carries whispers of history and the tender heartbeat of generations. Through every stitch, these women connect the past and present — crafting stories of resilience, creativity, and unity. Together, they create living tapestries that celebrate cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the Siddi community.

Kawanid quilts are traditionally born from small pieces of leftover fabric — stitched together in vivid colors and bold patterns. What might seem like scraps to others becomes living art in the hands of Siddi women.

Each patch and thread follows a rhythm — inspired by forests, fields, daily life, and African-Indian motifs that echo their ancestry. The process is slow, meditative, and filled with patience. Women gather together in circles, talking, singing, and sharing stories as they sew.

For them, quilting has never been just about creating a product. It is an act of preservation — of memory, identity, and belonging.

Since childhood, many of us have seen these quilts adorning Siddi homes — their patterns vibrant, their warmth unmatched. Long before bedsheets were common, quilts were a staple in every household. Each family had several, crafted in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, offering both comfort and practicality.

What began as a necessity soon became an expression of artistry and identity. Over time, this tradition evolved into a symbol of community pride, carrying the legacy of the women who created them.

For generations, Siddi women have turned leftover fabrics into masterpieces — hand-stitched tapestries of hope. Every quilt tells a story, inspired by nature, daily life, and heritage.

Today, these quilts are not just functional items; they are vehicles of empowerment. Women artisans are transforming their ancestral craft into a sustainable livelihood, finding independence and pride through their creativity.

Beyond financial empowerment, the process of quilting brings women together. It fosters solidarity and sisterhood, as they share experiences, laughter, and wisdom while working side by side. Younger girls learn from their mothers and grandmothers, ensuring that the knowledge and art form continue to thrive.

Every Kawanid quilt sold carries far more value than its price tag. Each piece supports rural families, funds children’s education, and uplifts communities where opportunities are limited.

These quilts have also begun to attract attention from designers, collectors, and cultural advocates for their intricate detailing, vibrant colors, and deep symbolism.

What was once a humble household craft is now gaining recognition as a form of indigenous art — one that reflects both African and Indian influences and tells stories of migration, adaptation, and strength.

Despite their immense skill, Siddi women artisans often face exploitation in the marketplace. They are paid a fraction of the quilts’ true worth, while middlemen and retailers reap larger profits.

The work is physically demanding — requiring long hours of concentration and precision — yet the pay rarely matches the effort. Many women continue quilting from their homes, juggling household chores and caregiving responsibilities.

Infrastructure is another challenge. There are no dedicated workspaces, limited access to quality materials, and little exposure to wider markets. Without proper support, their creativity often goes unseen and undervalued.

Their quilts may carry stories of art and strength — but behind the beauty lies a reality of struggle and under-recognition.

In the heart of a small Siddi village in Haliyal taluk, quilting remains a deeply personal and cultural legacy.
Among the many artisans is Hussain Bi, who proudly continues a tradition passed down by her mother and grandmother. They have spent decades creating vibrant Kawanid quilts that are as functional as they are artistic.

Each stitch tells a story — of daily life, faith, and inspiration drawn from the natural world. What was once made only for family use is now transforming into a source of livelihood. Today, Hussain Bi works alongside her mother and other village women to meet new demands from outside communities.

Yet the challenges remain real. Long hours of sitting lead to back and eye strain; needle pricks and sore fingers are part of their daily routine. Many young women hesitate to take up quilting, fearing the physical strain and limited returns.

Still, these women persist — their passion keeping the craft alive even in hardship.

Hussain Bi and others dream of forming self-help groups (SHGs) to bring more women into quilting, ensuring fairer pay and better conditions. Their goal is to preserve their tradition while earning a sustainable income.

However, the path is far from easy.
Buyers often supply materials and place orders but provide little support beyond that. There are no safer work environments, no protective tools for their hands, and no formal guidance on improving productivity or design.

Despite these challenges, Siddi women continue to quilt with unwavering dedication, each piece reflecting both hardship and hope.

At the core of this transformation is AKSSADA’s initiative, which aims to preserve the centuries-old craft of Kawanid quilting and share it with the world. This effort is deeply rooted in tradition yet guided by a modern vision of empowerment and sustainability.

By supporting these quilts, you support more than a product. You uplift rural artisans, protect cultural heritage, and help build a movement for women’s empowerment.

Each Kawanid quilt carries the warmth of community and the pride of heritage. Whether draped across a bed, displayed on a wall, or gifted to a loved one, every piece tells the story of Siddi women across generations — their struggles, triumphs, and creativity.

Though still in its early stages, AKSSADA’s vision is clear. The foundation strives to:

Create safe and comfortable workspaces for women artisans.

Provide tools, training, and design development support.

Establish direct market access, ensuring artisans receive fair compensation.

Offer programs in financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Through these initiatives, AKSSADA hopes to inspire a new generation of Siddi women to embrace this traditional art with pride and dignity.

The long-term dream is to ensure that Kawanid quilting not only survives but thrives — evolving into a recognized art form that sustains families, strengthens communities, and celebrates Siddi identity.

Supporting these women goes far beyond buying a quilt. It means standing for fair wages, safer working conditions, and equal recognition.

When you purchase or promote a Kawanid quilt, you become part of a larger story — one that honors the artistry of Siddi women and helps carry their legacy forward.

Let every thread remind us that art is not only created with hands but with hearts full of courage and stories of resilience.

Be part of this journey.
Share their story, support their craft, and help the Siddi women continue stitching their dreams.

This story was originally written and published on Akssada.org, a platform dedicated to empowering the Siddi community and promoting sustainable livelihoods.