Kira (Wrapped Woman's Dress) with Geometric Patterning
c. 1900
Bhutan, Kurto region
Bhutan
The principal garment worn by Bhutanese women, the kira is a large rectangular panel wrapped around the body over a blouse and petticoat. It is held in place by brooches at the shoulders and a sash around the waist. Although the panels are woven with the pattern in a vertical orientation, they are worn with the pattern oriented horizontally. This is a classic example of the traditional type, embellished with geometric patterns in alternating stripes.
Cotton and silk, warp-faced plain weave, with supplementary brocading wefts, stripes of twill and plain interlacings; embroidered with silk; three loom widths joined