Circa 1970-1990
Made in Pakistan or India
2007.004.0017

From the western region of the Indian subcontinent, in the provinces of Sindh, Punjab, and Baluchistan in Pakistan and the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, come ralli quilts. Rallis can be embroidered, pieced or appliquéd.

This ralli quilt exhibits multiple embroidered borders forming an allover design. The extensive embroidery and the stitches highlighting the right angles formed as each border meets in the four corners are characteristic of quilts made by people of the Saami group or tribe. Ralli quilts are used as sleeping surfaces and sleeping covers. They are sometimes made and offered as part of a woman's dowry.