Bustier of a belly dancer's costume from the Banjara peoples of India. The bra-top of black cotton is embellished at front with silver coins and trimmed in multicolored cross stitch embroidery, mirror work, and Kangura patchwork appliqué. Plain black straps extend over shoulders and around back to tie.
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UNT College of Visual Arts + Design
The UNT College of Visual Arts and Design fosters creative futures for its diverse student population and the region through rigorous arts-based education, arts- and client-based studio practice, scholarship, and research. One of the most comprehensive visual arts schools in the nation, the college includes many nationally and regionally ranked programs.
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Titles
Main Title:
Belly Dancer's Costume - Banjara Peoples of India
Added Title:
Bustier
Description
Bustier of a belly dancer's costume from the Banjara peoples of India. The bra-top of black cotton is embellished at front with silver coins and trimmed in multicolored cross stitch embroidery, mirror work, and Kangura patchwork appliqué. Plain black straps extend over shoulders and around back to tie.
Notes
This Banjara belly dancing outfit top is covered with coins - which would have been a way of holding wealth in a time where coins were of gold or silver. These modern coins are of copper, nickel, zinc, and aluminum, and as such are of little value once mounted. However, they would still create a vibrant jingling sound as the dancer moves. This piece would be worn with an embroidered ghaghra (skirt) and a veil, as well as a variety of silver jewelry. The Banjaras are tribal people who are spread all over India and are famous for their colorful embroidered ensembles.
This object is part of the following collection of related materials.
Texas Fashion Collection
The UNT Texas Fashion Collection is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of historically significant fashion, and serves as an educational and inspirational resource for students, researchers, and the general public. This vital resource is part of the UNT College of Visual Arts + Design.