A Rajasthani Tie Dyed Turban: Multi-Colored Mothara

mid twentieth century
approximately 15 yards x 6 1/2", approximately 14 meters x 16.5 cm

This is a magnificent, shape resist dyed turban from Rajasthan, India which is made from light weight cotton, almost a gossamer weight: the cloth is finely woven and is translucent--just marvelous.

The dyeing, too, is marvelous: this length of cloth was expertly dyed by pleating the cloth in two directions, and then binding it,  in order to achieve the crisscross design that is so delicate and so masterfully rendered, as the many accompany photos testify.

This cross-directional dyeing technique is called mothara. The coloration of this turban is a subtle, elegant and beautiful combination of oranges, blues and maize tones. 

As can be seen on the accompanying detail photos this turban has been worn and the condition reflects that.

Please note: there are holes to the super finely woven cotton and the selvedge edges are ragged, not so unusual knowing this delicate cloth was wound into an elaborately shaped head covering.

The holes and the ragged selvedge are featured at the front of the turban as well as some ingrained dirt, difficult to see. As the turban is unrolled the edges are more stable and there are few if any holes except around the 11 yard mark where there is are two deep tears to the selvedge. 

This turban was said to have been worn on the celebration of raksha bandhan.

A remarkable piece to study or to display.

Recommended.