sulma (Pants)

About this object

History of use

Part of the traditional Ladakhi costume. Worn by men. Usually made in the home. The wide waist gives ample room for bending or working and the narrow ankles are designed for warmth.

Narrative

The collectors, John Calder and Gloria Masse, were determined to collect a complete outfit but were unable to find anyone willing to sell them a pair of pants, since this is a very personal item of clothing. Instead they purchased the textile and found a local tailor, who made these pants for them.

Physical description

Simple, long, loose-fitting, drawstring pants made from dense, home spun, fulled, off-white wool textile. Some minor colour variations occur in the textile. Front and back are identical. A 24 cm shaped panel at the centre front and back provides wearing ease; the legs are straight top to hem. There is a casing at the top for a drawstring but no drawstring is provided. Mostly hand-sewn, with some machine stitching. Bottom edges of the legs are left raw.