Introducing: The Genuine Article

Today marks the launch of National Geographic Traveler's newest Web column, "The Genuine Article," written by Laura Morelli, an art historian with a passion for the world's artisanal traditions. Her first piece offers tips on purchasing the delicate saris, skirts, and other fabric items mentioned in our October story, "My Big Fat Indian Wedding." In it, she writes:

Indian textiles count among the richest craft legacies on Earth, encompassing literally thousands of local styles and techniques. Textiles from Rajasthan represent an entire tradition with many sub-specialties, from wood-block prints to tie-dyed cottons and a litany of embroidery techniques long enough to fill a glossary of their own. Through the centuries these rich regional fabrics have constituted a valuable part of women's wedding trousseaus and dowries, identified social status and class, and—through elaborate color symbolism—even conveyed details about the wearer like her hometown and if she is the mother of a boy.

Check out the full column here, and visit our Authentic Shopping Guide for more recommendations on where to find native artisanal crafts. Look forward to Laura's columns on the site each month.

Photo: Palani Mohan/Getty Images

Comments

[Lolly]

This is very exciting news! I loved that article in the October issue!

[Marilyn Terrell]

Thanks Lolly! Our Indian wedding story was very nerve-wracking for the writer and the photographer, but we like the way it turned out (and the bride did too!)