The Science of Pastoral Life: Maldhari Oral Histories and Material Culture

The artifacts include a 1982 grassland lease agreement under the Ijara system that evidences local governance and grazing rights; a Gofan (catapult), historically used to deter wildlife from grazing herds; a wooden Kathu (camel saddle) reflecting traditional mobility practices; a pair of intricately enamelled silver Kaldiya (bracelets) worn by women during ceremonies; a handwoven wool Chunari (scarf) from Panchali sheep (indigenous breed), serving both functional and symbolic roles; and an indigenous breed wool Shethi (overskirt) embroidered by Rabari women, reflecting gendered labour and ecological inspirations and memory rooted in place; Traangdi, a 40-year-old goat-fur camel-back carrier ; Ghughi, a heavy woolen raincoat made made from Duma sheep wool, worn by Maldhari herders during monsoons for insulation and water resistance; and Ghanti, a hand-held rotary quern-stone of rock, iron, and wood used to grind cereal grains into flour through circular motion of its upper slab. Six oral history interviews with Maldhari elders further explore lived knowledge of land use, seasonal grazing, wildlife interactions, and community customs.