Carrying strap (tara), late 18th-early 19th century
Unknown Ainuexpand_more
Cloth: elm-bark fiber, cotton; braiding, twiningexpand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fund and the Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation; purchase from the Thomas Murray Collectionexpand_more 2019.20.12
Not on Viewexpand_more
This head strap, or tara, was used by a woman to carry heavy items, such as a small child or a bundle of firewood, on her back. The ends were tied around the item, which was then lifted and suspended by the woven band placed on her forehead.
As Ainu society changed during the Meiji era (1868–1912), this type of strap lost its function in daily life; it was repurposed as a burial accessory.
Details
- Title
- Carrying strap (tara)
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 2019.20.12
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Murray et al. 2018, pl. 32
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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