Ritual shoulder cape

Mongolian Collection

Accession Nr.: 2022.103.1
Type: textile; costumes; religious/ritual equipment
Date of production:
20th century
Place of production:
Materials: cotton canvas; silk
Techniques: applied
Dimensions: width: 67 cm
length: 69.7 cm
The rectangular shoulder cape worn during the Buddhist Tsam dance ceremony imitates the shape of a four-petal vajra. The shoulder cape decorated with a silk appliqué woven in a burgundy pattern on a blue cotton canvas with a printed pattern. The edge of the appliqué is hemmed with silk fabric woven with a yellow pattern, 6 mm wide. The cutout starting from the circular arc of the neck (diameter 14.5 cm) is 11.5 cm deep and is hemmed with yellow silk fabric, like the edge of the vajra pattern. Its closure is connected with a silk cord loop on the right side, and a red glass bead strung on a silk cord on the left side. The lining is tailored in three parts, on yellow cotton canvas. Sewn by hand.