Banjara Ghodiyu or Baby Cradle Cloth

A cradle that hangs a field of flowers over a sleeping baby.

Banjara women of Madhya Pradesh, India, stitched this ghodiyu, or baby cradle cloth, in cotton and cowrie shell in the 20th century. Cloths like this are commonly slung as a hammock-style cradle, and are often embroidered with protective motifs. A tall red panel holds a stitched central motif, ringed by blue and red grounds scattered with white and yellow flowers. Zigzag triangle borders frame the edge, and small tassels hang from the corners.

About 35 by 28 inches. Hang it flat and the wall gets a nursery rhyme in thread.