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Pitt Rivers Museum

2003.9.32

Donkey rump pad with tassels. This was used to prevent the load on the donkey from slipping forwards.


2003.9.32

Digital asset copyright: Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford

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Collection type
Object
Description
Donkey rump pad with tassels. This was used to prevent the load on the donkey from slipping forwards.
Long description
Donkey rump pad with braided tassels, white, madder and black in colour, shaped, with several layers. The inner layer is sprang. The next layer is goat hair plain weave, the next is plain weave 3x3 check. The top layer is twined horizontally in stripes on each side. The centre piece is twined over plain weave set between side pieces at right angles. (i.e. twining goes from top to bottom). This was used to prevent the load on the donkey from slipping forwards. It is part of the same set as 2003.9.34 (T 58). [RJ 3/2/2003]
Geographical reference
Ash Sharqiyah Jabal Bani Jabir Qaraan
Cultural groups
Bani Maqaym
Person
Maker Saad Hamid
Field collector Gigi Crocker Jones
PRM source Gigi Crocker Jones
Date / Period
Date made: Before 03/1989
Date collected
March 1989
Acquisition information
Donated: 2003
Materials and processes
Material Goat Hair Animal, Material Sheep Hair (Wool) Animal, Material Goat Skin Animal, Material Pigment, Process Woven, Process Dyed, Process Braided
Dimensions
Width 180 mm with skin folded, Width 375 mm with unfolded skin, Width 725 mm including tassel, Length 880 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 2003.9.32 Other numbers: Field collector's catalogue number: Textile 55
Research and responses

Extract from 'Traditional Spinning And Weaving in the Sultanate of Oman' by Gigi Crocker Jones, published by the Historical Association of Oman, March 1989. On donkey trappings, pg 58: 'To go with the padded saddle for use in rough mountain terrain the donkey harness has to be equally robust. This comprises three items: the girth strap, the rump strap to prevent the load moving forwards and the chest strap to prevent the load slipping backwards. These are well woven and backed by a thick padding. In the case of those made in the Jebel Bani Jabir the chest and rump straps are attractively decorated with excellent braids and tassels.' [RJ 8/1/2003]

Search terms: Animal Gear, Transport and Travel, Animal Harness