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Unknown Maker, Hopi

Hopi Rain Sash

Maker

Unknown Maker, Hopi

Culture

Hopi, Native North American

Title

Hopi Rain Sash

Geography

Arizona

Dimensions

126.4 cm (49 3/4 inches) (length) without fringe

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Works of Art Fund

Object Number

44.581

Type

Exhibition History

Form, Pattern, and Function
Design in American Indian Art
Dec 04, 1992 – Jan 24, 1993

Label copy

Often called a "Big Sash," "Wedding Sash" or "Rain Sash" this white cotton belt is one of the oldest textile forms excavated from Anasazi sites. The Anasazi, ancestors of the Pueblo Indians, used finger woven sashes similar to this one. A similar cotton sash with corn husk end rings and long fringe dating to A.D. 1200 was found in Tularosa Cave in New Mexico. As its long list of names implies this sash served a variety of functions. The "Big Sash" was presented to a bride on her wedding day or worn by male dancers where its long fringe was likened to falling rain.

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Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Hopi
Hopi Rain Sash
null
126.4 cm (49 3/4 inches) (length) without fringe
Museum Works of Art Fund 44.581

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