Mehndi Backpack

A carnival backpack piece made for Belfast Mela to celebrate the art of mehndi/henna.

Henna is a plant-based dye from the henna plant. The art of henna application is known as Mehndi, and it has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Henna paste is applied to the skin in intricate patterns, and primarily used for ceremonial purposes and body decoration most significantly in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.

This piece was created to be worn at carnivals and festivals to celebrate the beauty and significance of the artform of Mehndi. It features two hands covered in golden designs inspired by mehndi artwork. Both hands are posed in a slightly modified version of the Hamsasyam or swan’s bill pose (one of the Asamyuta Hasta – a gesture requiring one hand)  typically found in Indian classical dance forms.