Dress

Item number 2615/14 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Orange-coloured dress made from a paisley patterned material. The dress has a long flared skirt, a jagged neckline with silver machine-embroidery and puffed sleeves which taper to a cuff that sits just above the elbow. Gold rickrack ribbon is sewn at the collar, and bordering the sleeves and skirt. Straps attached at the sides of the waist tie at the back, and snaps are used across the left shoulder.

History Of Use

Dresses of this type were worn by women of the Muslim Macchiyara caste. Members of that caste assisted in the production and gathering of this clothing. The cloth for the Macchiyara woman`s clothing was purchased in Dhamlej.

Iconographic Meaning

The type of clothing helps to communicate the caste of the wearer.

Narrative

This dress was collected with the help of Muslim Macchiyara people. This collection was gathered with the enthusiastic participation of villagers in Dhamlej, reflecting Derek Johnson’s rapport with them. They allowed him to take photographs of them demonstrating how the clothing is put on and worn. These photographs are available in the Museum of Anthropology collection documentation file for accession 2615.

Cultural Context

daily use

Specific Techniques

Cut and machine-sewn by a tailor.

Item History

Made by Pravinbhai Devshi Savaniya (Maker) in Dhamlej, Gujarat, India between 1998 and 1999
Collected during January 1999
Owned by Derek Johnson before February 25, 2004
Received from Derek Johnson (Donor) on February 25, 2004