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'The Ladakhi Pride'
Ladakh - The erstwhile Kingdom nestled in the Western Himalayas was also known as the “The Hidden Kingdom”, preserving its beauty and its culture for ages from the outside world.
Today, Ladakh is among the most visited places in India, no more hidden but yet, well preserved when it comes to its traditions and cultures - the very aspect which makes Ladakh very special for me to visit again and again. More you explore, more you find. After about 8 trips to this magical place, finally I earn the oppurtunity to capture the stunningly beautiful and very detailed 'Ladakhi Costume'.
Hiring a local, making them wear compormised costume catering to tourists doesnt appeal to me. Which is why, exploring, meeting and socializing with locals for a week at forgotten corners around Leh got me the good fortune of capturing this image which truly fills my heart.
About the costume :
Robes in yak wool and silk, capes in brocade and goatskin, woven scarves and shawls, silk and felt hats, embroidered pants, fine felt sashes with beads woven in, shoes with nambu & tigma tie & dye work, woven pangdens or aprons and jewelry accessories in red coral, white shell & blue turquoise, all came together in a harmonious fashion - Design perfected centuries ago and remains so till date.
What catches my eyes the most is the PERAK - The Head Dress. The perak is a status symbol for a Ladakhi woman, her wealth and position are shown by the number and quality of the stones decorating it. Turquoise is the perak's dominant element. The full perak is worn by a married woman as her most valued possession, turquoise stones acts as a form of old-age security. Draped over the top of a woman's head it looks like a raised cobra poised to strike. Resemblance is made stronger by the two black wool ear flaps worn at each side of the head.
Featured here is the most elegant and beautiful - Chamba, who is a resident of a little vilage called Chochutt.
Nikon D5 - Nikkor 85mm
Today, Ladakh is among the most visited places in India, no more hidden but yet, well preserved when it comes to its traditions and cultures - the very aspect which makes Ladakh very special for me to visit again and again. More you explore, more you find. After about 8 trips to this magical place, finally I earn the oppurtunity to capture the stunningly beautiful and very detailed 'Ladakhi Costume'.
Hiring a local, making them wear compormised costume catering to tourists doesnt appeal to me. Which is why, exploring, meeting and socializing with locals for a week at forgotten corners around Leh got me the good fortune of capturing this image which truly fills my heart.
About the costume :
Robes in yak wool and silk, capes in brocade and goatskin, woven scarves and shawls, silk and felt hats, embroidered pants, fine felt sashes with beads woven in, shoes with nambu & tigma tie & dye work, woven pangdens or aprons and jewelry accessories in red coral, white shell & blue turquoise, all came together in a harmonious fashion - Design perfected centuries ago and remains so till date.
What catches my eyes the most is the PERAK - The Head Dress. The perak is a status symbol for a Ladakhi woman, her wealth and position are shown by the number and quality of the stones decorating it. Turquoise is the perak's dominant element. The full perak is worn by a married woman as her most valued possession, turquoise stones acts as a form of old-age security. Draped over the top of a woman's head it looks like a raised cobra poised to strike. Resemblance is made stronger by the two black wool ear flaps worn at each side of the head.
Featured here is the most elegant and beautiful - Chamba, who is a resident of a little vilage called Chochutt.
Nikon D5 - Nikkor 85mm
- Copyright
- subodh shetty
- Image Size
- 4237x2825 / 9.1MB
- Contained in galleries
- Ladakh - Portraits
