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Description

Long, red ceremonial shoulder cloth (rachu) with an embroidered panel all along the centre; twisted red fringe on either end. Panel consists of central yellow medallion with concentric circles done in dark yellow, orange and light pink. Area surrounding outer edges and inner circles filled with horizontal bands and squares with white diamonds; bands and squares done in dark green, light green, yellow, red, light pink, and blue. Medallion has groupings of semi-circular protrusions along the top, bottom, left and right edges, with blue and purple swirls in between the groupings of circles. Patterns mirrored on either side of medallion. From centre out: pink and brown flowers, orange and yellow flowers, pink and dark purple flowers, and yellow birds with orange feet and beaks, red and orange crests, and multi-coloured feathers along wings and tails. In between the floral and bird sections are flowers inside semi-circles that extend from top and bottom edges of panel; different colours along each side of central pattern. All floral motifs have dark green and light green stems and leaves throughout; blue and purple swirls extend from flowers as well. Semi-circles with flowers and the bird sections are bordered with red, yellow, light green, dark green, and orange bands; top and bottom edges of panel trimmed with black. Yellow line embroidered on either end of cloth, which extends into one twisted fringe. Back of cloth is undecorated.

Narrative

Purchased by the donor in 2009 from the emporium in Thimphu, which is managed by the National Women's Association of Bhutan.

History Of Use

The rachu (ceremonial shoulder cloth) is worn by women, folded lengthwise into three, usually on the left shoulder with a kira, the national dress women wear for formal or special occasions, or while visiting temples. Traditionally most women wear red or maroon coloured rachu with different designs, but modern rachus are also made in different colours. They were also sometimes used as a baby-carrier.