Mae Festa 50 Years of Collecting Textiles - Peter Pap Oriental Rugs

BHUTAN
Shoulder Cloth (Rachu)
Mid 20 th Century
Natural silk woven in five-color
striped pattern. End borders,
supplementary weft silk floss.
300 x 70 cm 118 x 27½ in
A ubiquitous garment for most women,
it served many functions; baby carrier,
head scarf, pillow and ceremonial garment.
On formal occasions, visiting a monastery,
or visiting a state official, it would have
been folded several times lengthwise and
draped over the left shoulder as a sign
of respect. This example, at almost ten
feet, is longer than most.
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