28-29 / 168
27
26
8
CEREMONIAL RUMAL
SINDH, CIRCA 1930
Handspun and handwoven cotton, hand
embroidered with silk thread, natural dyes
15.75 x 16.75 in (40 x 43 cm)
$ 3,035 - 4,550
Rs 2,00,000 - 3,00,000
This intricately embroidered piece is a
rumal
, and
could possibly have been the central section of a larger
square hanging. It has elaborately decorated tassels
at each end and was used for special occasions. It is
exquisitely embroidered with precise, minute and tight
stitches. Enclosed by a narrow border bearing a wave-
like pattern symbolizing water, are ten squares neatly
arranged in five rows. No square is similar, in design
or colour, adding to the inherent beauty of this piece
and acknowledging the creativity of the woman who
embroidered it, definitely the work of a specialist. Filled
with floral and geometric patterns the entire surface of
the fabric is covered so that the ground is not visible.
A similar piece can be seen at the Calico Museum,
Ahmedabad, dated to late 19
th
century.