An Intricately Resist Dyed Indian Turban: Mothara from Rajasthan

ca. mid twentieth century
16 yards x 6", 14.6 m x 15 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 almost translucent--just marvelous.

The dyeing, too, is marvelous: this gorgeous 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; the overall condition is fine: it has been worn, it is not pristine, but there seem to be no fraying to selvedges or holes to the piece, which are often present in old turbans such as this.

Note the two ends of the turban that are dyed in a rich, cool magenta color--just lovely.

A remarkable piece to study or to display.