Bag Item Number: 915/11 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Bag with a rectangular shape and embroidered with two large v-shaped geometric forms, worked in very fine, dense cross-stitch on both sides of the bag. The sides and opening each have a geometric border. The repeated designs on the bag are identical in shape to each other, but differ in colour. A length of yellow and black decorative braided cord is attached to one corner of the opening; a tassel made of silk cord trimmed with white glass beads is sewn to the end of the cord. Lined with dark red cotton.

History Of Use

Used to carry small items, such as grooming aids, tobacco, medicinal herbs, money, etc. and/or to transport dowry items.

Specific Techniques

cross stitch

Narrative

According to Clarke Abbott of Tradewinds Antiques, the person who collected this piece lived in Kabul in the early 1960s, doing ambassadorial work. He traveled widely throughout the area. He was killed in an automobile accident there, and no further information is available about him or his collection. The piece was subsequently acquired by Tradewinds Antiques in Vancouver at an unknown date, and the Museum of Anthropology purchased it in 1984, when the business was liquidating its stock.

Item History

What

Name
Bag
Identification Number
915/11
Type of Item
bag
Material
silk fibre ?, rayon fibre ?, cotton fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
cut, embroidered and sewn
Overall
height 19.2 cm, width 13.7 cm

Who

Culture
Uzbek: Lakai ?
Previous Owner
Tradewind Antiques
Received from
Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Tradewind Antiques (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Afghanistan ?
Collected in
Afghanistan ?

When

Collection Date
during 1965
Ownership Date
before January 10, 1984
Acquisition Date
on January 10, 1984

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
0915/0011