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1893.67.190

Dance apron of twisted plant fibre cords.

1893.67.190

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Collection type
Object
Description
Dance apron of twisted plant fibre cords.
Long description
Dance apron, medium brown colour. Fibre cords are double twisted, descending from waist string. Entirely plain; repetition of twist and juxtaposition of S and Z twists creates plaited effect. Cords probably all made in same direction but then folded over and knotted at waist string to produce this alternating S/Z pattern. Cords all end in an overhand knot.
Cultural groups
Hoopa
Person
Field collector Edward Martin Hopkins
PRM source Edward Martin Hopkins
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1842
Date collected
1842
Acquisition information
Purchased: 1893
Materials and processes
Material Grass Fibre Plant, Process Plaited, Process Twisted, Process Tied
Dimensions
Width: max 730 mm, Length: max 460 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1893.67.190
Research and responses

Examined during a research visit on 14 September 2010 by Hoopa basket maker and culture bearer Deborah E. McConnell who noted the material looks like twisted maple bark when examined under a microscope. The stick or wooden scratcher attached to the apron suggests this could possibly be used in the Flower Dance, which is part of the rites of passage for young girls. During this a stick is used to scratch as the girls are not allowed to itch with their hands. [ZM 22/09/2010]

Search terms: Clothing, Dance, Ritual and Ceremonial, Apron, Skirt