This textile, possibly a sari, is a fine example of the ikat tie-dyeing technique practised by the people of Orissa, India. Ikat is a popular technique in this region, characterised by bright colours (normally black, red, green, white and yellow) and design motifs of animals and birds, fish, flowers and temple spires.

This particular ikat textile forms part of an extensive collection of textiles, dress and handiwork assembled from 1953 to 2001 by Mrs Helen McLeod Crocker, traveller and collector. Almost thirty countries are represented in the collection including Afghanistan, Australia, Bali, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Kenya, Lao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Salvador, Somalia, South America, Syria, Thailand, The Ivory Coast, Turkey and Yemen. Helen was very selective in the objects she acquired and the inspiration for her collection originated from her desire to preserve the true essence of the societies she encountered.

This textile was made in Orissa, India, between 1953-2001.

The pattern on this silk ikat textile length has been created by tie-dyeing the warp and weft threads while they are still on the loom.

This ikat textile was collected by Mrs Helen Crocker during one of her many trips to India between 1953 and 2001.

Textile, dupatta ikat, wool / cotton blend, maker unknown, Orissa, India, 1953-2001

Textile in fine cotton blend and plain wool in khaki with bands of weft ikat decoration, small white and orange flowers bordered with green horizontal stripes each end and deep bands of ikat featuring swans and flowers and green and silver stripes either side. The design is arranged vertically with the repeat pattern organised around a vertical axis.

Made: 1953 - 2001

No marks.

2011/44/42

1953 - 2001

870 mm