Important Notice

SINDH (NOW PAKISTAN), CIRCA 1930
Handspun and handwoven cotton, hand embroidered with silk thread, natural dyes, small pompoms, mirrors
Length 41.5 in (106 cm), Sleeve 48.25 in (123 cm)


This attractive red embroidered kurti or kameez is typical of the dress worn by Baloch women in the Sindh region of what is now Pakistan. It is worn over loose pants known as shalwar. Decorated with multiple geometric designs in various sizes and arrangements, as well as small mirrors, the overall effect is harmonious. The neckline is embroidered with small circles with a mirror at the centre, and two rows of the same circles flank the neckline. The sleeves are the most interesting, with a trellis-like pattern of yellow embroidered squares, enclosing a circle with a small mirror in each corner. The voluminous body of the tunic is decorated with floral motifs made up of small diamonds. Small black pompoms are placed at small diamonds. Small black pompoms are placed at the seams to accentuate the design. Mirrors were used to highlight the designs and also to ward off the evil eye, or nazar, from the wearer.

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