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Title

Breast cover (akhin) with bead trim

circa 1900

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Ancient Arakan Myanmar
    Date
    circa 1900
    Media category
    Textile
    Materials used
    cotton, beads
    Dimensions
    81.0 cm x 36.5 cm (irreg.)
    Credit
    Gift of Pamela Gutman 2006
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    201.2006
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    This textile belongs to the Khami or Mro people of Mrauk-U in southwest Burma. The designs are so rich that it can reputedly take over six months to complete a single panel for a dress. The close, tight weave makes the textiles almost watertight. Breast covers are wrapped around the upper body and secured over one shoulder. Traditionally, Khami women tattooed their shoulders to complement the exquisite patterns of the cloths. Beads commonly accompany both men and women's cloths.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, June 2006