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Bridewealth bag

African Art Museum

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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Object Details

Maker

Mama Rahary
Merina artist

Label Text

Silk is especially popular for urban weddings, used for the bride's gown, but also for cloths that ceremonially wrap the couple, and for the ring bearer's pillow and the small handbag used by the bride to collect the couple's monetary gifts.
Weavers in the capital continue to produce new products for local clients, including hand woven cloths designed to accent televisions and coffee tables. The growth in tourism finds yet another market for locally-woven vests, neck ties, scarves and other accessories.

Description

Small, undecorated white cotton draw-string bag with a lustrous white rayon or synthetic fiber bow at the top and a knotted fringe at the bottom.

Provenance

Acquired from Mama Rahary, Madagascar, 2000

Content Statement

As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.

Image Requests

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Credit Line

Museum purchase

Date

1999-2000

Object number

2000-13-31

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Textile and Fiber Arts

Medium

Cotton, rayon or synthetic fiber

Dimensions

H x W x D: 20.5 x 17.7 x 3.2 cm (8 1/16 x 6 15/16 x 1 1/4 in.)

Geography

Madagascar

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Data Source

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Marriage
Female use
male

Metadata Usage

Usage conditions apply

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7d5d4c18f-0ed3-44cd-af7b-f125ea9e5591

Record ID

nmafa_2000-13-31

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