A Detailed Look at Punjabi Juttis

A Detailed Look at Punjabi Juttis

Punjabi Juttis are a traditional footwear style from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. These handcrafted leather shoes are popular for their colorful embroidery, intricate designs, and comfortable fit. In this essay, we will explore the history and technique of Punjabi Juttis, the materials used in their construction, and the differences between male and female designs. Lets have a detailed look at Punjabi juttis!

History

The word “Jutti” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Jutta”, which means “a shoe”. The origins of Juttis can be traced back to the early 16th century, when they were worn by the Mughal emperors in India. These shoes were made from leather and required skilled artisans to make them. The shoes were originally worn only by the royal families and were considered a symbol of status and wealth. Juttis were traditionally made by artisans belonging to the Chamar, Rangaar, and Mochi communities, who were known for their expertise in leatherwork. These communities were often discriminated against in traditional Indian society, and making Juttis was one of the few professions available to them.

In the modern era, Punjabi Juttis are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Punjab region. They are worn by both men and women and are often seen at weddings, religious festivals, and other traditional events.

Technique

The process of making Punjabi Juttis is complex and requires a high degree of skill and precision. The technique used to create these shoes is largely unchanged from the traditional methods used in the past.

One of the key requirements for making Juttis was wood. The wood was used to make the wooden moulds, which were used to shape the leather into the desired shape. These moulds were typically made from mango or neem wood, which is hard and durable.

The first step in making a Punjabi Jutti is to select the right leather. High-quality leather is essential for creating a durable and comfortable shoe. Once the leather has been selected, it is cut into the required shape and size.

The next step is to stitch the leather together. The upper part of the shoe is stitched to the sole using a needle and thread. The stitches must be even and strong enough to hold the leather together.

Once the shoe has been stitched together, the embroidery work begins. The embroidery is typically done by hand using colorful threads. The designs are inspired by traditional motifs, such as flowers, birds, and geometric patterns.

After the embroidery work is complete, the shoe is given a finishing touch. The edges are trimmed, and any loose threads are cut. The shoe is then polished using a special wax or oil to give it a glossy finish.

Variety of Styles

Juttis come in a variety of styles and designs, with each style often being named after the region or town where it originated. For instance, the Adda style of Juttis is popular in Rajasthan, while the Panna style is favored in Punjab. Other styles of Juttis include the Talla, Tilla, Muktsar, and Malaut styles. “Talla” refers to the sole of the shoe, while “Tilla” refers to the decorative embroidery on the upper part of the shoe. The Muktsar style of Juttis is known for its unique pointed shape, while the Malaut style features intricate embroidery and colorful beadwork. Overall, Juttis are an integral part of Indian culture and have a rich history and variety of styles, each with their own unique characteristics.

One of the most famous styles of Juttis is the Salem Shahi Juttis, which are made in Salem, Tamil Nadu. These shoes are known for their intricate embroidery and unique designs, and are highly prized by collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Materials

The materials used in the construction of Punjabi Juttis have evolved over time. In the past, juttis were made from locally sourced materials such as buffalo or cowhide. Today, synthetic materials are also used in the construction of these shoes.

The vegetable tanning method was used to tan the leather used in the making of Juttis. This method involved soaking the leather in a solution made from the bark of Babool or Kikkar trees. The tannin in the bark reacted with the proteins in the leather, making it more durable and resistant to water.\

The decoration of Juttis was an important aspect of their design. The shoes were often decorated with intricate embroidery, using colorful threads made from silk or cotton. The embroidery was often inspired by traditional motifs, such as flowers, birds, and geometric patterns. Sarfoola (yellow) and Arsi Gulabi (green) powdered pigments were often used to color the embroidery threads.

One of the key features of Punjabi Juttis is their colorful embroidery. This embroidery is typically done using silk or cotton threads in a wide variety of colors.

The soles of Punjabi Juttis are made from leather or rubber. Leather soles are more traditional, but rubber soles are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and comfort.

Male and Female Designs

While Punjabi Juttis are worn by both men and women, there are some differences in the design of the shoes.

Male Juttis are typically simpler in design than female Juttis. They are often made from plain leather and feature minimal embroidery or embellishments. The soles of male Juttis are also thicker than those of female Juttis, which provides greater support and durability.

Female Juttis, on the other hand, are often more colorful and elaborate in design. They are often made from brightly colored leather and feature intricate embroidery and embellishments such as sequins or beads. The soles of female Juttis are typically thinner and more flexible than those of male Juttis, which provides greater flexibility and comfort.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards more unisex designs in Punjabi Juttis. These shoes feature simpler, more minimalist designs that can be worn by both men and women.

No Left or Right

One interesting fact about Juttis is that they have no left or right foot. This is because the shoes are designed to mould to the shape of the wearer’s feet over time, providing a comfortable fit.

Thanks for having A Detailed Look at Punjabi Juttis with us!

Read more about India’s textile history: https://desifirangan.com/2020/03/04/bagh-an-introduction-to-block-printing/