DROPPING A KUMBHAR WALA MATKA ~ 5/10

Dropping a Kumhar Wala Mudka critiques the traditions and history that underpin Indian social conventions. In India, the Kumhar Wala (potter) is among the lower castes, meaning that these craftspeople, who make functional objects serving millions of Indians on a daily basis, do not earn the respect that they deserve for their role within Indian society. Kumhar Walas work extremely long hours, making thousands of thrown objects every day, and the remuneration received for their many hours of toil is no where near that of higher, more traditionally educated castes.

In this work, Abbas Galwani, a Kumhar Wala living and working in Dharavi, drops a traditional Indian Mudka. With this act, Abbas denounces the cultural structures that restrict his social mobility, impede his ability to gain renown for his unquestionable skill, and hindering his capacity to provide for his family.

Only 10 of these pieces were made. This piece is numbered 5/10. Along with your matka, you will also receive a series of three framed photographed, as shown in the images.

Materials – 100% terracotta

Production – Dharavi, Mumbai, India

Maker – Abbas Galwani