Rok
This richly embroidered skirt was manufactured for the western market in the second half of the eighteenth century in Gujurat in the West Indies. Corn flowers, carnations and pomegranates are just some of the details in the design. The flowered pattern is embroidered on to the material with silk thread using a tambour. It is difficult to identify the technique; the visible stitching on the reverse side reveals the method used. The word ‘tambour’ refers to the round frame over which the material is stretched, like a drum skin. Unfortunately, we don’t know who wore the skirt but it must have been a lady of standing: the decoration is exquisite. The width of the hips is typical for this period. The sought after silhouette is achieved by sewing small cushions into the waistband to create a hip width of about 66cm.
