Tunic Item Number: Ca35 a from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

White tunic that goes with trousers, shawl, and vest (Ca35 b-d) to form a suit. The tunic is white, opens on the sides and reaches mid-calf in length. The collar has a metal hook and clasp. There are two buttons beneath the collar on the front. The sleeves are long with three buttons on each cuff. There is a front pocket to one side with a button.

History Of Use

Traditional man's tunic; worn with pants (b), vest (d), and kuta cloth (c). Factory made cotton fabric. The cut of the tunic indicates that it is likely from a northern Ethiopian culture, either Amhara or Tigray, although white cotton woven clothing can be found throughout Ethiopia. The weaving techniques used in Ethiopian textiles are reminiscent of very early cultural exchange and trade between Ethiopian society and their neighbours. This weaving technique is found throughout the Middle East and India, and records show that as early as the first century, cotton was being imported into Ethiopia via the Red Sea.

Cultural Context

clothing; national dress

Item History

What

Name
Tunic
Identification Number
Ca35 a
Type of Item
tunic
Material
cotton fibre, plastic and metal
Manufacturing Technique
woven, machine stitched, stitched and dyed
Overall
height 103.0 cm, width 67.0 cm

Who

Culture
Ethiopian
Previous Owner
Lemma Admasu
Received from
Lemma Admasu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Ethiopia

When

Creation Date
before 1974
Collection Date
during 1974
Ownership Date
before December 27, 1979
Acquisition Date
on December 27, 1979

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
0587/0005 a