Close Window

Sabala

Mallamma Yalawar, founding member and director of the Sabala Craft Development Center, shares her dream: "Sabala was established in 1986 with the sole aim of improving the living standard of artisans and women. It was initially established in the arid district of Bijapur, in South India.

"Sabala works towards reviving traditional Lambani tribal community and Kasuthi crafts, as reflected in most of our offerings. This art depicts the lifestyle and culture of the Banjara tribes who migrated from Gujarat centuries ago. Vibrant colors including red, blue, and white depict the three major gods of Hindu mythology – Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Black is rarely used, since it is considered inauspicious. Mirrors and bells embellish these crafts; villagers believe they help ward off evil spirits. These works are usually quite simple, reflecting the simplicity of local lifestyles.

"Our project has become a source of income through which participating women artisans are now more confident and independent - better able to face this challenging world.

"One way Sabala promotes its artisans' work is by participating in exhibitions. Our designs include cushion covers, bolsters, bed covers, bags, scarves, purses and other creations, most made of pure cotton.

"Our designs and techniques are all traditional, however we do have a professional designer who assists us. Color combinations sometimes reflect international trends and standards. We also maintain strict quality control standards. Nothing leaves our workshop before it is thoroughly checked and approved.

"Today, some 500 artisans are affiliated with our organization. It overwhelms us to see the changes in people's lives. To generalize, the artisans are now more confident, strong, and forthright than when they arrived.

"I remember the first time we held a solo exhibition in the capital. Our artisans, from remote villages, were a bit intimidated by the fashionable customers of Delhi. But by the end of our exhibition, we were surprised to see our artisans explaining the painstaking work required - to a customer who was bargaining for a cheaper price. The customer was finally very much satisfied, and paid the asking price.

"In addition to working with artisans, we are also involved in other activities to generate income for the villages. We help organize small exhibitions and sales, establish shops, sell agricultural produce, and assist in rearing livestock. We also provide supplementary education for children who do not attend school regularly. We are active in community health education, AIDS education, and rural training teaching birth control and infant health care. Community irrigation, kitchen gardening, tree planting, watershed development programs, low cost housing projects and, programs for entrepreneurs are counted in our areas of focus.

"Our hard work has been honored with several awards, including the Kittur Rani Chennamma Award, the Man of Achievement Award, the Dalapda Ratna Award, and the Vocational Service Excellence Award."

Lalibai of Sabala tells her story.

"Hello, my name is Lalibai. I was born and raised in the southern part of India. My childhood was spent helping my mother in farm and household work. Though I had begun initial studies, I could not pursue my education further, because of my family’s financial problems.

"My life changed when Sabala visited our village and explained the benefits I could receive by simply doing the work I was already doing anyway, without income. In our village, everyone knows how to do embroidery – it is a tradition that is handed down from generation to generation. Though we all knew the technique, we could not market our embroidery, since we did not know anything about marketing.

"Sabala designers guide us, advising us about popular color combinations, and teaching us how to improve quality. I have been with Sabala for more than ten years now, and today I am capable of training other artisans. Twenty artisans now work with me. I have also gladly taught the art of embroidery to my children and friends."