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Embroideries are not simply a particular way of making surface ornamentation but are intricately bound up with the structures, values, histories and identities of the communities in which they are practised. A Bengal nakshi kantha or a kutchi taka are both forms of running stitch, but they have different characters. While it is possible to identify areas in which embroidered surface can be seen to play a role, it is equally important to acknowledge the great diversity that exists within these areas. The nature of surface ornamentation and its significance to their practitioners are not fixed but rather, they change over time and vary across regions of the country. IGNCA, a premier resource centre in the field of arts and culture has a well laid-out programme on Ethnographic Collection under its Janapada Sampada Division which studies, documents and disseminates knowledge about arts and crafts traditions of diverse communities of India. The present exhibition, curated by Asif Shaikh, includes some rare pieces from the IGNCA archives and Resurgence Exhibits from Asifs collection, which displays a fine insight into the handling of materials and tools.