Kothali dowry bag panel
Name/Title
Kothali dowry bag panelEntry/Object ID
2024.9.4Description
Front panel of a kothali dowry bag. Mostly white with black panel at the bottom, covered in various graphic embroidery motifs in vivid colors and small shisha mirrorwork. Edge trimmed with black binding. Top has 14 small button closures. Motifs on this panel appear to be from the Kachhi Rabari subgroup.Use
Created by brides to hold dowry items for husband's family.Context
A kothali is a smaller version of the kothalo, a rectangular dowry sack which is elaborately embroidered and sometimes quilted at the top, and used to carry dowry items to in-laws. These bags were made by Rabari women, a culture of nomadic herders who now live scattered throughout the Kutch, Saurashtra, and North Gujarat regions of Gujarat State in India, and in western and southern Rajasthan State. Rabaris are divided into distinct territory specific subgroups with certain distinguishable traits, but who share common beliefs and values, and have a common heritage and sense of identity. In Rabari marriage culture, both bride price and dowries are required. The dowry is usually made up of livestock, kitchen utensils, cash, clothing, and embroidery, given to the groom's family in these bags. Rabari embroidery is characterized by chain stitches in bright colors. Embroideries made for marriage are particularly bright and sparkling, denoting marriage as a bright and celebratory moment. Embroidery styles vary from subgroup to subgroup, and motifs have specific meanings and related purposes, and together can be used to tell stories of the past and present.Category
Embroidery
Acquisition
Accession
2024.9Acquisition Method
PurchaseMade/Created
Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Country
IndiaContinent
AsiaNotes
Early to mid 20th century (source: Material Culture Auction House)Ethnography
Cultural Region
Country
IndiaContinent
AsiaCulture/Tribe
Rabari