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Gurgabi footwear, traditionally used by the Gujjar community, is made from locally sourced leather, generally goat, sheep, or cow hide. Leather is tanned naturally, usually with vegetable dyes, ensuring strength and pliability. Stitching is done with woolen threads, giving extra strength and pliability. Sometimes, wooden soles are also offered for enhanced support on unpaved terrains. The use of natural and locatable materials imparts sustainability to Gurgabi footwear, thereby matching the demands of the Gujjar, Bakarwal, and other pastoral communities' nomadic lifestyle, which puts them through extremely treacherous landscapes while keeping them comfortable and resilient.
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Gurgabi footwear, traditionally used by the Gujjar community, is made from locally sourced leather, generally goat, sheep, or cow hide. Leather is tanned naturally, usually with vegetable dyes, ensuring strength and pliability. Stitching is done with woolen threads, giving extra strength and pliability. Sometimes, wooden soles are also offered for enhanced support on unpaved terrains. The use of natural and locatable materials imparts sustainability to Gurgabi footwear, thereby matching the demands of the Gujjar, Bakarwal, and other pastoral communities' nomadic lifestyle, which puts them through extremely treacherous landscapes while keeping them comfortable and resilient.
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The traditional leather shoe called Gurgabi has relevance to the Gujjars, Bakarwals, and other pastoral communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Gurgabi footgear is handcrafted using local leather and has a simple yet sturdy design that helps the wearer comfortably travel long distances through tough terrains. With flat heels and a rugged upper, Gurgabi shoes are fitting to nomadic life-protective and comfortable for long use. Gurgabi shows the art of the region that is an essential kind of living and a means of survival for the community. Made via household production using sustainable techniques, these shoes also maintain the local economy.
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Gurgabi shoes play a great cultural and functional significance for the Gujjar community. Worn traditionally in their migratory pattern of life, the shoes are meant to last on rough surfaces, and they suit the terrain of Jammu and Kashmir being a mountainous region. Gurgabi represents the resilience of the community to survive and cope with harsh weather conditions. Made of natural materials such as leather and wool, it symbolizes the nature-connectedness and eco-friendly lifestyle of the community. Aside from its functionality, Gurgabi also has cultural value as a representation of identity, usually being inherited through generations, maintaining traditional craftsmanship.
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Gurgabi footwear design is both functional and rugged, designed for the migratory lifestyle of the Gujjar community. It often has a flat sole and thick leather upper, offering protection and comfort for long walks over diversified terrain, including both hills and plains. The minimalist nature of the design promises ease of use, with some types boasting little ornamentation to prioritize usability. The rugged build of Gurgabi ensures its suitability for withstanding extreme environmental exposure, mirroring the requirement of the community to withstand season migrations.
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Gurgabi shoes are environment-friendly, made from natural sources such as locally sourced leather and thread. It is a low-impact, traditional craft when compared to industrialized shoes that do not utilize synthetic materials. Through the utilization of sustainable materials and local skills, Gurgabi fosters environmentally friendly production. It also supports the local economy, keeping traditional skills alive and promoting sustainable consumption among the Gujjar community.
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