Wrap Skirt Item Number: 1473/10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Ceremonial skirt, or apron. The main body of the piece is made of black cotton textile. The lower third of the garment consists of a finely-woven, horizontally striped, multicoloured textile, with many woven geometric motifs. Two horizontal, parallel rows of closely-spaced cowrie shells are affixed to the apron just above this patterned textile and extend almost all the way across the width of the garment. Many long strands of dark red glass and metallic cylindrical beads, interspersed with white seeds, are attached below this double row of shells and hang freely to the bottom of the garment. Each strand of beads is finished with a tuft of wool, resembling a small tassel.

History Of Use

Worn at special occasions, such as feasts of merit and prayer rituals.

Cultural Context

ceremonial

Specific Techniques

Woven on a back strap loom.

Narrative

Formerly owned by the family of Shilu Lal. Purchased by Dr. Oberoi in Tuensang, along with eleven other wrap skirts of similar design (see 1473/1 thru 1473/12).

Iconographic Meaning

Cowrie shells signify bravery. The various colours in the bands indicate the clan to which the wearer belongs.

Item History

What

Name
Wrap Skirt
Identification Number
1473/10
Type of Item
skirt
Material
cotton fibre, cowrie shell, jacob's tear seed ?, tin metal, glass, wool fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
woven, sewn and beaded
Overall
height 89.5 cm, width 98.5 cm

Who

Culture
Ch'in
Field Collector
Harjot Oberoi
Previous Owner
Harjot Oberoi
Received from
Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Harjot Oberoi (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Nagaland, India
Collected in
Tuensang, Nagaland, India

When

Creation Date
during 1940
Collection Date
on October 7, 1989
Ownership Date
before March 19, 1991
Acquisition Date
on March 19, 1991

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
1473/0010