boke (Cape)

About this object

History of use

This type of women's cape is seen only in the town of Leh. It may be a substitute for the rural logpa. Assembled by local shopkeepers, the boke, made of Indian silk, soon fades in the sun.

Cultural context

worn by women

Physical description

A large rectangular piece of brocaded silk with a pattern of flowers, and leaves in a variety of bright colours. Upper edge is folded over. Upper edge and side edges are trimmed with finer blue and silver-white brocade. Bottom edge has a long silk fringe in alternating bright colours. Backed with a green patterned cotton that has black X-shapes with a white dot in each inner corner. Two cotton ties attached to upper corners.