Physical description

Black sash like garment the ends of which are decorated with a band of geometric patterns in a variety of colours in a supplementary weft weave and finished with a heavy fringe of threaded cowrie shells, red pom-poms and fine red braid.

Place of Origin

Kachin State (made)
Burma

Date

ca. early 20th century (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Cotton. Dye. Cowrie Beads. Braid. Plain and supplementary weft weave. Dyeing.

Dimensions

Length: 100 cm, Width: 18 cm, Length: 40 cm of fringe

Object history note

A Kachin bachelor's belt is the first item that a young Kachin girl learns to weave. She begins first with the lining in a plain weave and then progresses to simple traditional geometric patterns in a supplementary weft or tapestry weave on the front side. These belts are presented to young men by their relatives and sweethearts.

Descriptive line

A black bachelor belt of a man of one of the hill tribes of Kachin State northern Burma. Plain and supplementary weave with traditional geometric patterns in a variety of colours finished with tassels of cowrie beads, pom-poms and red braid. c. early 20th century.

Materials

Cotton; Dye; Cowrie shells

Techniques

Weaving; Dyeing

Categories

Textiles; Accessories

Collection

South & South East Asia Collection