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India

The origin of Indian embroideries goes back to the Indus Valley Civilization of 400 B.C.

Due to the climate, the earliest pieces of embroidery still intact today are from the Mughal period and many of the current forms embroidery are based on the traditions that were followed during this time.

Traditional embroidery materials such as wool, cotton and silk are decorated with precious stones, metals, beads and mirrors and even such exotic materials as beetles' wings and seeds.

Thanks to trade and cultural contacts, practically all the know embroidery stitches of the world are used in one part of India or another.