Skirt c. 1900

This striking skirt was made by an unknown artist, and its exact date of creation is not known. But we can see the social life embedded in its red cloth and shining gold thread. The skirt, and the ensemble that goes with it, speaks of wealth and status. The garment is likely from South Asia, given the style of the skirt and accompanying tunic and shawl. The use of metallic threads suggests that it was designed for a person of high rank, perhaps even royalty. The skirt would have been created by skilled artisans who understood the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shape artistic production. It also points to trade routes that connected South Asia to other parts of the world. Objects such as this skirt are a reminder that art history is not just about individual artists, but also about the social and economic forces that shape the creation and consumption of art. By researching textiles and trade, we can better understand the complex world in which this skirt was made.