Nomadic Echoes

Nomadic Echoes celebrates resilience, interdependence and wisdom within nomadic communities, from the camel-herding Raika of Rajasthan to Somali nomads whose weaving songs carry generational knowledge. Thriving in harsh, arid landscapes, their traditions offer vital lessons in sustainability, adaptation, and coexistence with nature.

Although nomadic peoples often experience the effects of climate collapse first, their voices remain marginal in global conversations. This work invites audiences to touch, listen, and reflect on what we risk losing if their ways of life vanish.

Central to the installation is the arak plant motif, symbolising dialogue between Rajasthan and Somalia. Rooted in both landscapes, the plant reflects the unique relationship nomadic communities have to their ecosystems. The motif frames durries designed by Dhaqan Collective, and handwoven by master weaver Chaina Ram in Salawas village. Copper touch plates, fabricated by Manish Soni in Jodhpur, activate a specially composed soundscape. At its core are Somali and Rajasthani women’s weaving songs and field recordings, reimagined and redesigned by Dhaqan Collective with composer Rowan Bishop, drawing also on folklorist Kuldeep Kothari’s archival work.

Nomadic Echoes resonates in Jodhpur’s historic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), honouring survival and ancestral knowledge, envisioning a future where these voices continue to be heard.

Local Artisan Collaboration:
Craftsperson(s): Hanuman Ram, Chaina Ram Mundee, Malaram Mundee and Shakeel Dyer (Durry weavers)

Sangeeta Aidasani- Sang Welfare Society – Pakistani Migrant Embroiderers (Embroidery), Manish Soni (Copper plates) 

Umar, Arif (Electrician)

Research Partner:
Mr. Kuldeep Kothari – Rupayan Sansthan (Rajasthan Institute of Folklore) (Folk Songs archive)

Supported by: British Council