Bodice Item Number: 3569/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Woven bodice with wide embroidered panel across upper section. At centre of panel is a column of four diamonds, filled with triangular patterns; differently patterned rows of chevrons extend from either side of central column. Column of concentric diamonds along left side of bodice; all patterns are done in red, white, and black. Two black fabric shoulder straps are stitched along top edge; bottom section of bodice consists of three plain pieces of black fabric. Upper section of bodice secures at the back with snap fasteners, leaving bottom section open and drapey.
In 1959, the donor spent a year in the US to attend grade 12 as an exchange student from New Zealand. At the time she was performing Maori songs and dance.