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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Woman’s dress made of purple shot silk, trimmed with gold jacquard ribbon, gold braid and panels of red cotton textile, closed at the neck with two white glass buttons. The neckline is finished with a narrow collar band. The wide cuffs are trimmed with gold braid and small, geometric embroidery. The back of the bodice and the upper part of the skirt are made of orange cotton textile. The waistband is constructed of gold jacquard ribbon and red cotton textile. The full skirt is pleated onto the waistband, and the hemline is trimmed with couched gold braid designs and gold jacquard ribbon. Completely backed with pink cotton textile; the lining and outer textiles are stitched together at intervals with a running stitch.

History Of Use

Worn with loose-fitting pants and a shawl for special occasions, e.g., weddings.

Specific Techniques

Iridescent shot effect in fabric achieved by using a weft that differs from the warp colour. Pleating is often found on Afghanistan ceremonial clothing.

Narrative

The dress appears to be Pashtun or Hazara, according to examples in the published literature, however the dress was identified as Baluchi by the previous owner. Because of the elegant fabric used to make this dress, it is reasonable to assume that it was made and worn by urban-dwellers rather than nomads.The dress was said to have been worn by the mother of a bride at a wedding.

Iconographic Meaning

The repeated pattern at the hemline may represent peacocks, symbolizing fertility.

Item History

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