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1923.84.492

Square groin cover of very dark blue cotton decorated with cowrie shells.

1923.84.492

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Collection type
Object
Description
Square groin cover of very dark blue cotton decorated with cowrie shells.
Long description
Groin cover of very dark blue cotton decorated with cowrie shells. The textile comprises two squares of very dark cotton, likely dyed in indigo, sewn together to create a cloth of double thickness. A thin bamboo rod is inserted in the fold at the top of the cloth, and another is tied to the top of the cloth with two loops of brown cotton thread. The bottom two thirds of the front flap is decorated with cowrie shells, closely set together in four quadrants with a horizontal band above. Above this is a star made of four cowrie shells. Three more bamboo splints are inserted horizontally between the two pieces of material. Beneath this, on the reverse, thirty-five (one is missing) shorter, vertical bamboo splints are also held in place by loops of brown cotton thread, arranged in two horizontal rows.
Geographical reference
India
Asia > Southern Asia > India
Nagaland
Cultural groups
Lotha Naga
Person
Field collector John Henry Hutton
PRM source John Henry Hutton
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1919
Date collected
By 1919
Acquisition information
Loaned: 12/1919 Donated: 1928
Materials and processes
Material Cotton Textile Plant, Material Cowrie Shell, Process Woven, Material Bamboo Plant, Material Cotton Yarn Plant, Process Stitched, Process Dyed
Dimensions
Width 300 mm, Length 330 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1923.84.492
Research and responses

Note from Dr Vibha Joshi in 'Lotha Naga Textiles & Patterns' (Renchen Women Welfare Society publication): "Füfü rüve (literally cowrie apron). Women stitch the cowrie, cowries are flattened first."

Examined in September 2006 by Dr Vibha Joshi who noted that the bamboo strips on the back of the apron are used to ensure the apron hangs down straight when worn. [ZM 07/09/2006]

Associated publications
Lotha Naga Textiles & Patterns (1914 - 1947), Collective: Renchen Women Welfare Society; Wokha, Nagaland, 2010, Notes: Photograph and PRM catalogue information

Search terms: Clothing, Ritual and Ceremonial, Groin-cover

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