COSTUMES
India: Orissa, Cuttack, Nuapatna
Gaudia Patra or Asani Patra group
Sari (woman's)
1956
Plain weave; Supplementary warp pattern weave; Supplementary weft patterning; Resist dyed, warp ikat; Resist dyed, weft ikat
Cotton
5 yds. 3 1/4 in. x 1 yd. 11 3/4 in. (4.65 x 1.21 m)
Elizabeth Bayley Willis Collection, gift of Virginia and Prentice Bloedel
TC 58.1-390

The village of Nuapatna, where this sari comes from is known for its tasar or wild silk. Its cultivation precedes the finer mulberry silk brought from China. Villagers gather the cocoons from the hardwood trees in the hills behind Nuapatna three times a year. The cocoons are then boiled, and women and young girls reel the silk and do the spinning. The dyeing and weaving are done by the men. This ikat sari contains traditional Orissi design and patterning. Repeated lotus blossoms and butterflies make up the design. -- Label copy for Unpacking the Collection: Collecting other Cultures: The Elizabeth Bayley Willis Collection, March 4,1998 to June 7,1998.