Cloth Item Number: Sa183 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Square textile, striped in red, blue, deep purple, and green; detailed with multi-coloured bird motifs, human figures, geometric diamonds and triangles separated by contrasting stitched colour bands. Twisted fringe at both ends.
History Of Use
Multiple use, versatile textile used as a man's hat band, shoulder kerchief or woman's scarf, shawl or piled on head. As decoration is usually in proportion to importance or solemnity of the occasion. Elaboration of pattern and colour suggests ceremonial use.
Iconographic Meaning
Birds are regarded as sacred by their association in Indian mythology with news of the existence of corn. They are frequently represented on fabrics to signify their importance.
Cultural Context
used by men and women
Item History
- Made in Nebaj, Quiche, Guatemala before 1976
- Collected during 1976
- Owned by Henry M. Rosenthal before March 1977
- Received from Henry M. Rosenthal (Donor) during March 1977
What
- Name
- Cloth
- Identification Number
- Sa183
- Type of Item
- cloth
- Material
- cotton fibre and dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven
- Overall
- height 65.5 cm, width 94.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Maya ?
- Previous Owner
- Henry M. Rosenthal
- Received from
- Henry M. Rosenthal (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nebaj, Quiche, Guatemala
When
- Creation Date
- before 1976
- Collection Date
- during 1976
- Ownership Date
- before March 1977
- Acquisition Date
- during March 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0372/0001