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Description

Rectangular embroidered and appliquéd textile panel, decorated with mirrors and edged with closely-spaced cowrie shells on three sides; the top edge is has a fibre loop attachment at the left corner. The design in the centre of the panel consists of two square motifs, embellished with rows of mirrors on a red and dark yellow background. A border design of embroidered and appliquéd bands and mirrors surrounds the central motifs. There are three 'tassels' made of clusters of bell-shaped pompoms of fine cotton thread and suspended from twisted fibre cords, evenly spaced on the 'bottom' edge; the tassels are trimmed with cowrie shells and metal beads.

History Of Use

Panels like this one have many uses, e.g. wedding-pot cover ritual table cover, etc. The presence of a loop at one corner suggests that this panel had a specific use. A ceremonial panel is sometimes called a dhavalo cloth, with reference to the dhavalo songs, prayers, and cows of mourning traditionally undertaken by a new bride.

Cultural Context

Used at ceremonial occasions, i.e. weddings, funerals, etc.

Iconographic Meaning

The use of cowrie shells (a form of wealth) as decoration is an indicator of the the panel's importance as a ritual object.

Narrative

Purchased on the street in Gujarat.

Item History

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