Dowry Bag
| Type: | For Personal Adornment |
|---|---|
| Object Name: | Dowry Bag |
| Local Name: | kotli |
| Place Made: | Asia: South Asia, India, Southern India, Karnataka, Gulbarga or Shimoga |
| People: | Banjara |
| Period: | Mid 20th century |
| Date: | c 1950 |
| Dimensions: | L 52 cm x W 36 cm |
| Materials: | Cotton; cotton floss; cowrie shell; metal bead |
| Techniques: | Woven; embroidered; chain stitch; tasseled |
| ID Number: | T00.45.135 |
| Credit: | From the Fitzgerald Collection |
Among the once nomadic Banjara people, cowrie shells from the Indian Ocean are highly valued ceremonial items that, at one time, were also a low-value currency. The shells are particularly associated with ceremonial objects, such as dowry bags. Only married women may use them on their clothing.
