Banjara Ghodiyu or Baby Cradle Cloth

Cowries along the edge, mirrors of white petals within.

This ghodiyu, or baby cradle cloth, was made by Banjara people of Madhya Pradesh, India, in cotton with cowrie shells in the 20th century. The Banjara, traditionally itinerant traders, are known for dense embroidery, and cowries are often associated with protection and fertility. Here a red center carries small stitched squares and diamonds. Around it run a navy band of round flowers and a border of red and white triangles, with cowries clustered at the corners and along the lower edge.

About 37 by 32 inches. It rattles faintly if you handle it with enthusiasm.