Legacy in Every Thread: The Art of Kawanid Quilts

Siddi Women Quilts,known as Kawanid, are more than just handmade fabrics — they are living stories stitched with the heritage 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 just fabric — they weave legacies.

Each Kawanid Quilt they craft carries whispers of history, strength, and the tender heartbeat of generations. Through every stitch, these women stitch together stories of resilience, creativity, and community, creating living tapestries that celebrate heritage and the enduring spirit of their culture.

The Art of Kawanid, Siddi Women Quilts

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

Every patch, every thread, every line carries a rhythm, often inspired by the forests, fields, daily life, or traditional African-Indian motifs.

The process is slow, deliberate, and steeped in patience. Women gather together, talking, singing, and sharing stories as they sew. Making a quilt is never just about creating a product — it’s about preserving a way of life.

Since childhood, I’ve watched them craft and use these quilts, feeling the warmth they bring. Perhaps they began making them out of necessity, as bedsheets were once a rare luxury in Siddi households, while quilts, in different sizes, shapes, colors, and thicknesses, were a staple in every home — comforting and practical in equal measure.

Siddi Women Quilts,Threads of Empowerment

For generations, Siddi women have crafted Kawanid quilts—vibrant, hand-stitched creations made from leftover fabrics. What might seem like mere scraps to others becomes a tapestry of heritage in their hands. Each quilt tells a story, inspired by nature, daily life, and traditional African-Indian motifs, connecting generations and preserving a unique cultural identity.

This traditional craft has evolved into a pathway for empowerment. Women artisans are now transforming their skills into sustainable livelihoods, turning each quilt into a source of income, independence, and pride. Beyond financial benefits, these quilts help foster community bonds as women gather to sew, share stories, and mentor younger generations.

The economic impact is tangible: every quilt sold supports rural families, provides education opportunities for children, and encourages women to take leadership roles within their communities. What was once a practical household necessity—quilted blankets for warmth in homes where bedsheets were rare—has now become a piece of art with commercial value, admired for its intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and craftsmanship.

Each piece of Siddi Women Quilts carries not just color and pattern, but confidence, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Siddi community—a living testament to how tradition can empower, inspire, and transform lives.

The Hidden Struggles Behind Every siddi women quilts-

Despite their immense skill and the cultural value of Kawanid quilts, many Siddi women artisans face exploitation in the market. They are often paid a fraction of the quilts’ actual worth, while middlemen and retailers earn disproportionately higher profits.

The work is labor-intensive and requires hours of patience, yet the women receive minimal compensation. Adding to the challenge, many communities lack proper infrastructure—there are no dedicated workspaces, poor access to quality materials, limited marketing support, and insufficient exposure to broader markets.

This forces them to work long hours under difficult conditions, often at home, balancing household responsibilities with their craft. While their quilts carry art, heritage, and skill, the women themselves struggle to earn a fair livelihood and recognition for their contribution.

Siddi Women Quilts Kawanid Stories of Hope– Heritage and Challenges

Working Conditions and Safety

Siddi Women Quilts/Kawanid Stories :In the heart of a small Siddi village, quilting is more than just a craft—it is a legacy passed down through generations. Hussain bi is one among the many women we met in a village in haliyal taluk. says its a tradition her mother and grandmother nurtured for decades, creating the vibrant Kawanid quilts that are both functional and deeply cultural. These quilts were once made exclusively for family use, providing warmth and comfort, and reflecting the skill, patience, and creativity of Siddi women quilts. Each stitch carries stories, memories, and patterns inspired by daily life, nature, and African-Indian motifs in the siddi women’s quilts.

Today, she works alongside her mother and a few other women from the village. Unlike earlier times, their quilts are now in demand—they receive orders from outside their community, transforming this age-old tradition into a source of livelihood. Despite this progress, the work remains physically demanding. Long hours of sitting cause discomfort and eye strain, and constant needle pricks leave bruises on their fingers. These challenges have made younger generations hesitant to take up the craft, threatening the continuity of this cultural heritage.

The woman dreams of creating a self-help group to encourage more Siddi women to take up quilting.
Her goal is to preserve the tradition while helping women earn a sustainable income.

However, the available infrastructure and support are minimal.
Buyers usually provide raw materials and place orders, but little else.

There are no safer working environments or protective gear for their hands.
Guidance on improving productivity is also missing.

Still, the women continue to work with passion and resilience.
Their dedication keeps the craft alive, even though their welfare and growth are often overlooked.

This story reflects both the rich heritage and the ongoing struggles of Siddi women artisans.
Their craft embodies culture, creativity, and remarkable skill.

Yet, the women behind these beautiful quilts often face many challenges.
They struggle with exploitation, poor infrastructure, and limited recognition for their work.

Supporting these women goes far beyond buying quilts.
It means ensuring fair wages, safer working conditions, and real opportunities for empowerment.

Only then can this powerful tradition continue to thrive for generations to come.

Beyond Fabric — A Movement of Hope

siddi-women-quilts-kawanid Empowering Tradition, One Quilt at a Time

AKSSADA’s initiative aims to preserve the centuries-old craft of Kawanid quilting and share it with the world.
This project is rooted in tradition yet driven 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 promote women’s empowerment.

Each siddi womens quilts carries the warmth of community and the pride of heritage.
Whether draped on a bed, displayed on a wall, or gifted to a loved one, every piece tells the story of Siddi women across generations.

Though the initiative is still in its early stages, the goal is clear.
AKSSADA wants to create safe and comfortable workspaces for women artisans.
They also aim to provide essential tools and direct market access so that artisans can sell their quilts fairly and sustainably.

Through these opportunities, AKSSADA hopes to inspire more women to embrace this beautiful craft.
The dream is to ensure that Kawanid quilting not only survives but thrives.
It is about empowering a new generation of Siddi women to carry their heritage forward with pride and dignity.

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

The Siddi Women Quilts initiative seeks to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Siddi community through the art of quilting. By fostering an environment where women artisans can thrive, AKSSADA is committed to enhancing their skills and expanding their creative potential. The organization emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, ensuring that each quilt reflects the artisans’ dedication and craftsmanship. In addition to providing financial independence, this initiative serves as a vehicle for cultural expression and solidarity among Siddi women. As the movement grows, it invites others to participate in uplifting these artisans, forging connections that transcend generations.

The Siddi Women Quilts initiative embodies a profound commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering economic growth. By celebrating the artistry of Siddi women, this movement highlights the intricate narratives embedded in each quilt, transforming them into powerful symbols of identity and resilience. Through strategic partnerships and community involvement, we not only amplify these artisans’ voices but also advocate for their rightful place in the broader tapestry of cultural expression. Engaging with this initiative allows individuals to partake in a meaningful dialogue that champions both artistic excellence and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Join us in supporting Siddi women artisans and be part of this journey of empowerment, culture, and creativity. Of Siddi Women Quilts – Kawanid Stories of Hope moment.