Lenten Costume Item Number: 2796/6 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Two piece costume consisting of a heavy wool hooded jacket (a) and pants (b). Checked design woven in dark purple, dark red, green and yellowish-beige wool embellished with bands of purple wool fringe. The coat opens at the front and closes with metal clips; the underside of the sleeves is made of a solid burgundy coloured fabric; pocket sewn onto front with red thread. Wool pants with elastic waist and metal closure; purple fringe at knees and pant bottoms.

History Of Use

Costume used in Portugal for Lenten ceremonies and during the Festa dos Rapazes (Young Men’s Festival).

Narrative

This costume is one of three sets that were acquired through Toze Vale (Jose Fernandes Vale from the village of Vila Boa, municipality of Vinhais in Portugal), who is a notable wooden mask maker. His family makes dance costumes used in Lenten ceremonies and the Festa dos Rapazes (Young Men’s Festival). An active member of one of the groups of caretos in Vila Boa, he is a strong supporter of the traditions of his community and has worked to create a small museum in his village. Costumes are not normally sold, but he agreed to the Museum of Anthropology acquiring several of their costumes.

Item History

What

Name
Lenten Costume
Identification Number
2796/6 a-b
Type of Item
costume
Material
wool fibre, cotton fibre, sisal fibre and metal
Part A
height 114.0 cm, width 185.0 cm
Part B
height 98.0 cm, width 62.0 cm

Who

Culture
Portuguese
Field Collector
Anthony A. Shelton
Previous Owner
Anthony A. Shelton
Received from
Anthony A. Shelton (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Director's Budget (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Vila Boa, Braganca, Portugal

When

Creation Date
between 1980 and 2000
Collection Date
during March 2010
Ownership Date
before April 12, 2010
Acquisition Date
on April 12, 2010

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
2796/0006 a-b