Hair Bag Item Number: 811/18 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Long, flat, tapered, embroidered bag made of black cotton textile, embellished on one side with clusters of flowers, leaves and stems. The wide end of the bag is open and there is a 37 cm narrow loop of the same black cotton textile attached at either end of the opening. The closed, narrow end of the bag is embellished with bands of embroidery, sequins, glass beads and cotton fringe.
Prior to the 1930s, women were not permitted to show any of their hair; therefore, it was pulled back and placed in a decorated bag. This custom began going out of style in the mid-twentieth century.
Collected by Allice Legat while she was doing anthropological field work in Afghanistan.
Worn and made by women.