Physical description

Painted band of white cotton. With thin black stripes painted on one surface with geometric designs, pairs of elephants, cockerels and two groups of human faces. White fringing. The paint is made of rice beer, the gum of a tree and wood ash.

Place of Origin

Assam (made)

Date

ca. 1940 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Painted cotton

Dimensions

Width: 7.5 cm, Length: 182 cm including fringe

Object history note

These bands are sewn onto cloaks (cf. IS.164-1989, IM.148-1939)?

Ao Naga, from Longsa Village, nr Mokokchung, Naga Hills. Part of Archer collection.

Quote from Dr Archer's diary states:
'Longsa Village, Nr Mokokchung, 20th September 1949 - As we went along the village street, we met the craftsman who makes the painted bands for tribal cloaks. These bands are of white cloth painted in black and are designed to show the prowess of the wearer. A line of slim cylindrical men, a pair of lumbering mithan, a gaping tiger, a spruce elephant - whatever a man has killed is recorded on his band. The figures are traced with a pointed bamboo pen and the paint is made of rice beer, the gum of a tree and wood ash.'

Descriptive line

Painted band of cotton, Assam, ca. 1940

Production Note

Ao Naga, from Longsa Village, near Mokokchung, Naga Hills. Part of Archer collection.

Materials

Cotton; Beer; Ash; Gum

Techniques

Weaving; Painting

Categories

Textiles; Clothing

Collection

South & South East Asia Collection