Horse Hood Item Number: 1440/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Diamond-shaped, decorative hood for a horse, densely embellished with embroidery that the black cotton background textile is all but obscured. The embroidered design is laid out on a grid of squares, with alternating mirrors and floral motifs in the cells of the grid; pompoms and glass beads are scattered through the design field. Two large, circular openings near the top of the piece are bordered with rows of mirrors alternating with circular embroidered motifs. There is a similar border of mirrors and circular motifs around all four edges of the piece. Fragments of fibre tie cords are attached to the top corner and at the sides, near the circular openings. There are remnants of a fringe of clear glass beads on all four edges. The piece is lined with red, white and black machine printed cotton textile, which has come loose in many places. Overall colour is maroon, lilac, black and gold.

History Of Use

Meant to be worn over the upper part of a horse’s face, with the ears protruding through the holes. The fibre tie cords near the ear holes were most likely used to attach the piece to the horse’s bridle.

Narrative

Purchased by the donor in Pakistan.

Specific Techniques

buttonhole stitch; satin stitch; couching

Item History

What

Name
Horse Hood
Identification Number
1440/5
Type of Item
hood
Material
cotton fibre, silk fibre, glass, silver alloy metal ? and dye
Manufacturing Technique
cut, sewn, embroidered and beaded
Overall
height 37.3 cm, width 36.6 cm

Who

Culture
South Asian
Previous Owner
Irene Canning
Received from
Irene Canning (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Sindh, Pakistan ?

When

Creation Date
before December 3, 1990
Ownership Date
before December 3, 1990
Acquisition Date
on December 3, 1990

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
1440/0005