1946.7.91

Collection type

Object

Description

Baldric, embroidered on the front with red wool lozenge pattern, decorated with a fringe of red and white dyed goat hair bound with yellow orchid stem; dark brown reverse and bands for fastening [EC 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 5/9/2005]

Geographical reference

India

Asia > Southern Asia > India

Nagaland Kensha

Cultural groups

Sümi Naga

Person

Field collector Robert Niel Reid

PRM source Robert Niel Reid

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1942

Date collected

1937 - 1942

Acquisition information

Donated: 1946

Materials and processes

Material Textile, Material Goat Hair Animal, Material Orchid Stem Plant, Material Wool Textile Animal, Process Spun, Process Woven, Process Embroidered

Dimensions

Length: max 1660 mm, Width 240 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1946.7.91

Research and responses

Correspondence from Robert N. Reid concerning his collection of 'pieces of typical home-woven cloth from the Assam Hill tribes . . . Naga, Lushai, Kuki, Grio, Khasi & so on, and a few articles worn by those tribesmen' which he wishes to donate to the Museum. Letter dated 6 May, 1946 includes list of objects sent to the Museum. Letter dated June 17, 1946 discusses the 'Cochari' work: 'I have a very hazy recollection as to when they were presented to me, but I know I was given some cloth of the kind you mention at a village (of Cocharis . . .) was DIMAPUR when I was starting on a tour in the MIKIR HILLS . . . they may, on the other hand, be Assamese, although that is a very vague term'. Letter from Robert N. Reid to Mr. Bradford dated July 26, 1946, in which he agrees with Bradford's use of the collections as 'barter' material with the 'Danes and the French' as this 'will help raise our stock in those two countries, when they seem to be taking rather a poor view of the English!' [GI 17/1/2002]

Search terms: Ritual and Ceremonial, Ornament, Clothing, Status, Shoulder Ornament, Ceremonial Object, Sash Belt, Breast Ornament, Status Object