Bag Item Number: 1201/24 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small, square, multi-coloured, embroidered bag, made by bringing three corners of a square embroidered textile together, leaving the fourth corner free as a flap, resulting in a flat, square envelope. The main design is a ‘hooked sun symbol,’ surrounded by a few mirrors and bands of embroidered geometric motifs and edged with couched silver threads. The embroidery is worked with multi-coloured threads in chain stitch on purple cotton broadcloth. The stitchery is backed with red cotton broadcloth.
History Of Use
Everyday use by both men and women. Could have been made to be sold at the market; or could have been a dowry piece.
Iconographic Meaning
The hooked sun disc represents the life-giving force of the sun. This symbol might also have reference to an ancient form of sun worship.
Item History
- Made in Ghazni, Afghanistan ?
- Collected in Kabul, Afghanistan during 1982
- Owned by Alan Davidson before February 24, 1987
- Received from Alan Davidson (Seller), Ruth Read Bequest (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on February 24, 1987
What
- Name
- Bag
- Identification Number
- 1201/24
- Type of Item
- bag
- Material
- cotton fibre, dye, metal, glass, silk fibre ? and rayon fibre ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- embroidered and sewn
- Overall
- height 21.0 cm, width 14.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Pashtun
- Previous Owner
- Alan Davidson
- Received from
- Alan Davidson (Seller), Ruth Read Bequest (Funding source) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ghazni, Afghanistan ?
- Collected in
- Kabul, Afghanistan
When
- Collection Date
- during 1982
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 1987
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 1987
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- excellent
- Current Location
- Case 108
- Accession Number
- 1201/0024