Short Pants Item Number: Eg55 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

The shorts have blue band around each leg and around waist. The back is is decorated with yellow and blue starburst patterns. Zigzag trim in fine white braid around each leg and three rows of fine braid also encircles the waist. The front has a starburst pattern and a stylized design in blue, white and gold applique and white and black braid. The waist has a drawstring.

History Of Use

The shorts are used during the Chitrai Festival in May (a bathing and processional festival) which is held in honour of the Vaishnavite god, Alagar. The main procession in which the shorts (as well as similarly decorated umbrellas, etc.) are worn, moves from the Alagar Koil (temple) to the Vaigai River, running through Madurai City. Here, bathing occurs. The costumes are worn by devotees (usually a particular group patronizing a member who dresses up and becomes the centre of attraction of that part of the procession). The shorts are stitched by a special group of tailors working in a large stone pavilion adjoining the Meenakshi Temple (called Pudu Mandapan). These are sold as retail items or made by order.

Cultural Context

festival

Item History

What

Name
Short Pants
Identification Number
Eg55
Type of Item
pant
Material
cotton fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
machine woven, machine stitched and embroidered
Overall
height 51.0 cm, width 47.0 cm

Who

Culture
South India
Previous Owner
Stephen Inglis
Received from
Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

When

Collection Date
during 1974
Ownership Date
before December 2, 1977
Acquisition Date
on December 2, 1977

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
0411/0224