Danka are small gold and silver square metal faceted discs or mirror/glass, not larger than 1.5 centimeters that have been hand-beaten to form a facet that glints and reflects light akin to a diamond. Stencils are used to transfer the motifs including paisleys, flora, peacocks, betel leaves, vines, geometrics and scrolls as metallic zari yarns are worked in the zardozi technique around the faceted danka couched on to sumptuous and brightly coloured silks, satins and velvet with the help of several needles, from sewing needles to the hooked needle locally known as ari
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.