Make-Up Case Item Number: 811/14 a-d from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Part a is a make-up case of gold and red thread over blue cloth. There are white and blue beads around the edge and purple tassel. A blue and orange striped string is wound around case to keep closed. The case is lined with red printed cloth and covered by a wrapping cloth (811/13). Part b is an applicator stick, wooden and cylindrical. Part c is a small square of a shiny, silver-coloured substance (mica?). Part d is a package of a black substance wrapped in white paper and tied with string.
History Of Use
Used to apply black liner on the eyes.
Narrative
The collector reports that makeup cases like this one were originally made to sell to tourists, but they have become popular among Kuchi and provincial males as well as females. The black substance in part d is called kajal, which is applied to the eyes using the wooden stick, part b. Sunni Muslims put black on their eyes, but Shia Muslims do not. The couched metal thread embroidery used on part a is typical of Pashtun nomad needlework.
Cultural Context
A make-up kit, used by males and females within the Kutchi culture.
Item History
- Made in Afghanistan
- Collected by Allice Legat in Afghanistan during 1977
- Owned by Allice Legat before June 21, 1982
- Received from Allice Legat (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on June 21, 1982
What
- Name
- Make-Up Case
- Identification Number
- 811/14 a-d
- Type of Item
- case
- Material
- cotton fibre, synthetic fibre ?, metal, glass and dye
- Part D
- height 2.7 cm, width 3.0 cm, depth 1.75 cm
- Part A
- height 6.1 cm, width 8.4 cm, depth 2.0 cm
- Part B
- height 5.5 cm, width 0.5 cm, depth 0.5 cm, diameter 0.3 cm
- Part C
- height 0.8 cm, width 0.8 cm, depth 0.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Pashtun: Kuchi
- Field Collector
- Allice Legat
- Previous Owner
- Allice Legat
- Received from
- Allice Legat (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Afghanistan
- Collected in
- Afghanistan
When
- Collection Date
- during 1977
- Ownership Date
- before June 21, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on June 21, 1982
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0811/0014 a-d