Wrap Skirt Item Number: 1473/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular, ceremonial skirt, or apron. The main body of the piece is made of black cotton textile which is bordered at the top with a narrow multicoloured horizontal stripe. The lower third of the garment consists of a finely-woven, horizontally striped, multicoloured textile, with many woven geometric motifs. A horizontal row of cowrie shells (arranged in threes) is affixed to the apron just above this patterned textile and extends almost all the way across the width of the garment. Above the shells are three ‘rosettes’ made of cowrie shells -- one large design in the centre of the skirt and one small design spaced on either side of it. Many long strands of dark red glass and metallic cylindrical beads, interspersed with white seeds, are attached below this row of shells and hang freely to the bottom of the garment. Each strand of beads is finished with a tuft of wool, resembling a small tassel.
History Of Use
Worn at special occasions, such as feasts of merit and prayer rituals.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Iconographic Meaning
Cowrie shells signify bravery. The various colours in the bands indicate the clan to which the wearer belongs.
Narrative
Formerly owned by the family of Shilu Lal. Purchased by Dr. Oberoi in Tuensang, along with eleven other wrap skirts of similar design (see 1473/1 thru 1473/12).
Specific Techniques
Woven on a back strap loom.
Item History
- Made in Nagaland, India during 1940
- Collected by Harjot Oberoi in Tuensang, Nagaland, India on October 7, 1989
- Owned by Harjot Oberoi before March 19, 1991
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Harjot Oberoi (Seller) on March 19, 1991
What
- Name
- Wrap Skirt
- Identification Number
- 1473/3
- Type of Item
- skirt
- Material
- cotton fibre, cowrie shell, jacob's tear seed ?, tin metal, glass, wool fibre and dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, sewn and beaded
- Overall
- height 88.3 cm, width 129.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Ch'in
- Field Collector
- Harjot Oberoi
- Previous Owner
- Harjot Oberoi
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Harjot Oberoi (Seller)
Where
When
- Creation Date
- during 1940
- Collection Date
- on October 7, 1989
- Ownership Date
- before March 19, 1991
- Acquisition Date
- on March 19, 1991
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1473/0003