Shirt Item Number: Ac213 b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Woven shirt, worn with leggings (Ac213 c), made of 2-ply grass open twine with long sleeves, crew neck and light brown and dark brown alternating bands. There is braided grass tied around neck with loose ends; long twisted twine tie at back of hem, frayed at end with knot.
History Of Use
Witch costume used in ritual festivals celebrated in the form of dance plays. Only initiated males can participate. It is used to invoke ancestral spirits, gods, and visitors from the world of the dead. The dance plays are held at night to further disguise performers. The dances serve to illustrate roles of certain individuals in society. Although, today they have lost some religious impact, they are still important status and prestige performances.
Cultural Context
ceremonial; ritual
Item History
- Made in Kasai, Democratic Republic of the Congo before 1971
- Collected during 1971
- Owned by Raija Warkentin before June 13, 1977
- Received from Raija Warkentin (Donor) on June 13, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Pende
- Previous Owner
- Raija Warkentin
- Received from
- Raija Warkentin (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kasai, Democratic Republic of the Congo
When
- Creation Date
- before 1971
- Collection Date
- during 1971
- Ownership Date
- before June 13, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on June 13, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0394/0001 b