The semi nomadic tribes of western and southern India are famous for their elaborate embroidery usually done in bright colors. Referred to as "banjara" embroidery, this style is accompanied with extensive use of mirrors, wood beads, cowrie shells and buttons. Rural women folk in western and north-western India arrange vintage textile patches with banjara embroidery in a harmonious fashion to create wonderful wall hangings or tapestries.

While usual selection criteria such as shape, size and colors apply to the banjara Indian tapestries as well, there are a few subtle nuances that can assist in selecting this exquisite piece of craftsmanship. The purpose of this guide is to discuss the factors that are over and beyond the size, shape and the color of the wall hanging.

a) Extensiveness of the embroidery: This possibly is the single largest factor that directly impacts the beauty and the price of the banjara wall hanging. The best patches from vintage textiles and dresses are extensively embroidered. Wall hangings that are made primarily using these patches display a greater range of colors and motifs and are usually more expensive than the rest.

b) Mirror work and bead work: Embedded mirror work in various sizes along with beads (wood, bone, metal), old coins and cowrie shells add to the sparkle, weight and price of banjara hangings. In most cases, wall hangings with mirror work produce a glittering effect - the exceptions are cases where mirror work has been exposed to the elements and is rusted. Wall hangings with mirror work patches over 20 to 25 years old can have cracked or missing mirrors. Cowrie shells are considered a sign of prosperity and most banjara tapestries will have a few of them.

c) Pattern arrangement: Banjara embroidery wall hangings usually have a more ordered placement of textile patches compared to the Indian sari beaded wall hangings. A few tapestries however do use patches arranged in a random fashion around neckline patches. The visual appeal of the two patterns is quite different.

At NovaHaat.com, we bring you a wide range of Indian banjara tapestries that vary in size, color and extensiveness of embroidery and mirror work. Each of these is handcrafted by artisans in India and are a source of seductive visual treat. To view our current collection, please visit the Tapestry and Wall Hanging section of our online store.

Neeta Wadhwa is the president of Novahaat.com, LLC, a woman entrepreneur owned business with its principal offices in the state of Arizona, USA. Her business focuses on bringing exquisite ethnic Indian furnishings and apparel to worldwide customers.