Dowry Bag
| Type: | For Personal Adornment |
|---|---|
| Object Name: | Dowry Bag |
| Local Name: | kotli |
| Place Made: | Asia: South Asia, India, Central India, Madhya Pradesh, Malva and Nimar |
| People: | Banjara |
| Period: | Mid 20th century |
| Date: | 1940 - 1960 |
| Dimensions: | L 56 cm x W 36 cm |
| Materials: | Wool; cotton; cowrie shell |
| Techniques: | Plain woven; embroidered; tasseled |
| ID Number: | T85.0472 |
| Credit: | Gift of Dr. Howard Gorman |
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.
