Not currently on display at the V&A

Prayer-Shawl

ca. 1855-1879 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Prayer-shawl or 'namabali', rectangular unbleached cotton block-printed with strings of sacred texts, mainly various names of Vishnu (hence 'namabali') in a grid pattern. The borders are adorned with one row of 'Vishnu's footprint' ('Vishnupada') and two rows of buta motifs. Worn by Vaishnavite devotees of both sexes during their prayers also as a wrapper by devotees. Complete piece.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Cotton, woven and printed
Brief description
Textile, printed cotton prayer shawl, probably Dhaka, ca. 1855-1879.
Physical description
Prayer-shawl or 'namabali', rectangular unbleached cotton block-printed with strings of sacred texts, mainly various names of Vishnu (hence 'namabali') in a grid pattern. The borders are adorned with one row of 'Vishnu's footprint' ('Vishnupada') and two rows of buta motifs. Worn by Vaishnavite devotees of both sexes during their prayers also as a wrapper by devotees. Complete piece.
Dimensions
  • Length: 446cm
  • Width: 129cm
Object history
Transferred from India Museum 1879.
Historical context
Intended for use as a garment worn during prayer.
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
6562(IS)

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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