two tassels top center (26 inches); fringe, left and right side; loose threads on back, visible top and bottom; vertical bands of decoration (white, brown, black, gold and dark red). Woven fabric.

Cape (Tabrdouhte), 19th century

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This elaborately patterned cape is a superb example of refined weaving from a people who are known for their textile skills. The individual design components and basic striping arrangement are part of a shared ethnic aesthetic but the specific arrangement is dependent on the artistic sensitivity of the weaver. Even today, many women weave their own fabrics, but it is possible that this piece was commissioned by a wealthy family for the use of silk and the time involved to do such complex weaving would have made it very costly. It would have been worn only on very special occasions and treated as an important family heirloom.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
Cape (Tabrdouhte)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
98.6.1
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.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

two tassels top center (26 inches); fringe, left and right side; loose threads on back, visible top and bottom; vertical bands of decoration (white, brown, black, gold and dark red). Woven fabric.