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Craft Name: Camel Leather Craft – Jodhpur

Region: Jodhpur, Rajasthan

CRAFT
HISTORY

Camel leather craft has been practiced for centuries in Rajasthan, particularly among Mochi (shoemaker) and Karigar communities. Historically, camel leather was used for footwear, saddles, harnesses, musical instruments, and royal household items. Its durability made it ideal for desert life. Jodhpur became a major centre where artisans elevated camel leather into a decorative craft tradition. The handmade embroidered, carved, and stitched leather products became popular in local markets and later globally.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:

  • Camel leather work from Jodhpur is known for its hand-embossed, carved, and dyed leather products, traditionally used by Rajput and Marwari communities.
  • Lightweight and extremely durable.
  • Often incorporates hand-stitching using thick cotton or leather cord.

Received a
GI tag in 2023

COLOURS

  • Deep brown
  • Walnut black
  • Reddish maroon
  • Yellow ochre
  • Burnt orange
How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in making these crafts? A Camel Leather product from Jodhpur takes 2–7 days, with 1–3 artisans contributing to the process

MOTIFS & PATTERNS

  • Rajasthani floral patterns
  • Geometric jaali work
  • Hand-embossed designs
  • Traditional camel, peacock, paisley motifs

RAW MATERIAL

  • Natural camel leather
  • Cotton thread / leather cords
  • Natural dyes
  • Wax, oil, varnish
  • Metal buckles or wooden accessories (optional)

CRAFT MAKING PROCESS

Camel Leather

HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC CRAFT

  • Natural Leather Grain: Authentic camel leather shows visible natural patterns, not uniform plastic-like surface.
  • Smell & Feel: Natural vegetable-tanned camel leather has an earthy, warm smell and a soft but sturdy feel.