holti-moi (Hair Bag)

About this object

History of use

Prior to the 1930s, women were not permitted to show any of their hair; therefore, it was pulled back and placed in a decorated bag. This custom began going out of style in the mid-twentieth century.

Narrative

Collected by Allice Legat while she was doing anthropological field work in Afghanistan.

Cultural context

Worn and made by women.

Physical description

Long, flat, tapered, embroidered bag made of black cotton textile, embellished on one side with clusters of flowers, leaves and stems. The wide end of the bag is open and there is a 37 cm narrow loop of the same black cotton textile attached at either end of the opening. The closed, narrow end of the bag is embellished with bands of embroidery, sequins, glass beads and cotton fringe.