Woman's Trousers c. 18th century

These woman’s trousers are undated and were created by an anonymous maker. The wide-legged trousers are made from a patchwork of turquoise fabric and are heavily decorated with geometric patterns and rows of metallic sequins. These materials and decoration indicate the garment’s provenance within a wealthy community. The shape of the garment is highly distinctive and can be associated with South Asian or Middle Eastern cultures where such garments are worn by women as part of traditional dress. Because of the cultural associations of dress, such items can carry powerful social and political messages. To find out more about the history of these trousers, researchers can analyse the material, design, and construction of the garment. It's possible to then determine the precise geographical region and era in which the garment was made and the cultural traditions with which it is associated.