COSTUMES
India: Manipur, Imphal, Imphal
Meithei people; made for Naga tribes
Chador (man's)
1957
Plain weave; Supplementary warp pattern weave; Weft twining; Embroidered
Cotton
79 x 46 7/8 in. (200.7 x 119.1 cm) overall, including fringe
Elizabeth Bayley Willis Collection, gift of Virginia and Prentice Bloedel
TC 58.1-226

Manipur, an area to the far northeast of India, is part of one of the most inaccessible states in India, and populated by several tribes of the Meitei community. To obtain the textile examples exhibited here, Mrs. Willis traveled rough, mountainous terrain by jeep, and received rare permits to collect textiles. Originally part of Burma, Manipur has close historical and cultural ties with both Burma and China, which contributes to its distinctive textile design. -- Label copy for Unpacking the Collection: Collecting Other Cultures: The Elizabeth Bayley Willis Collection, April 10 to May 15, 1997, October 16, 1997, to March 2, 1998, and March 4 to June 7, 1998.