Coat
Item number 701/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Man’s wool coat with blue designs. The coat is made from narrow widths of dense, coarse wool textile that has been fulled and embroidered. The coat has long sleeves, side slits and centre front opening with three buttons. The edges of the opening, sleeves and hem have a triangular motif. On the front of the coat the embroidered designs consist of vertical rows of small circles On the back the designs include tree of life, diamond and ram’s horn motifs. The embroidery thread is indigo-dyed (?) wool fibre.
History Of Use
Coats of this style are worn by shepherds in the cold mountain regions of Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.
Narrative
Purchased by the collector in 1974 in Kabul, from a merchant in the old bazaar, for about $35 USD. He said it had been brought to Kabul to be sold in the bazaar.
Specific Techniques
chain stitch; satin stitch; backstitch.
Iconographic Meaning
Tree of life motifs on the back of the coat have protective power and may symbolize growth and fertility. Triangular and circle motifs are common in Central Asia. The triangle is the most common form of amulet, worn to safeguard the wearer; triangular forms densely embroidered around the edges of the coat are protective. Ram’s horn motifs refer to spirit ascribed to the hunted/herded animal.
Item History
- Made in Nuristan, Afghanistan
- Collected in Kabul, Afghanistan during 1974
- Owned by Luqman Nagy before January 23, 1981
- Received from Barrett Montford Endowment Fund (Funding source) and Luqman Nagy (Seller) on January 23, 1981
What
- Name
- Coat
- Identification Number
- 701/4
- Type of Item
- coat
- Material
- wool fibre, plastic and indigo dye ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, fulled, embroidered, cut and sewn
- Overall
- height 97.5 cm, width 162.5 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nuristan, Afghanistan
- Collected in
- Kabul, Afghanistan
Who
- Culture
- Nuristani ?
- Previous Owner
- Luqman Nagy
- Received from
- Barrett Montford Endowment Fund (Funding source) and Luqman Nagy (Seller)
When
- Collection Date
- during 1974
- Ownership Date
- before January 23, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on January 23, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- excellent
- Accession Number
- 0701/0004
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