Needle Case Item Number: Ee62 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

An ornamental metal disc welded in four places to attach two bars to the back. From the lower bar a small rectangular box, 6.5 cm. by 2.5 cm., is hung by a cloth strip. The box has loops at the bottom and from these, there are hung three strips of red cotton, one of which has been doubled the full length. These are strung with cowrie shells and the cloth is knotted at the ends.

History Of Use

This needle case illustrates the pressed metal, repousse and metal etching which is employed in Ladakhi metalwork. This case is used mainly by women as an ornament, but if untied from the main disc, it is used to carry needles. The collector states, these cases became obsolete during the late 1960's. It is worn attached to a sash.

Cultural Context

worn and used by women

Iconographic Meaning

The design is the Buddhist endless knot. It is one of 8 auspicious emblems which adorn ornamental pendants or those containing relics.

Item History

What

Name
Needle Case
Identification Number
Ee62
Type of Item
case
Material
shell, cotton fibre and brass metal
Manufacturing Technique
repousse, pressed, strung and etched
Overall
height 52.0 cm, width 11.0 cm, depth 3.7 cm

Who

Culture
Ladakhi
Previous Owner
John Calder and Gloria Masse
Received from
John Calder (Seller), Gloria Masse (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Jammu-Kashmir, India

When

Creation Date
before 1977
Collection Date
during 1977
Ownership Date
before May 5, 1978
Acquisition Date
on May 5, 1978

Other

Item Classes
metalwork
Condition
good
Accession Number
0426/0009