Hopi "Rain Sash" from the San Juan Pueblo, Ca 1979. #1257
$ 1,100.00
Hopi "Rain Sash" from the San Juan Pueblo, Ca 1979. #1257
Description: #1257 Hopi White Cotton "Rain Sash" from the San Juan Pueblo, Ca 1979.
Dimensions: 80" x 5.25"
Condition: Outstanding for use and age. Just like it was made yesterday, even though it is over 40 years old.
Provenance: Oke Oweenge Craft Cooperative, San Juan Pueblo, NM.
The groom and other men in the Hopi community weave the bride's robe and sash Sometimes called a "rain sash," the long fringe symbolizes falling rain and the braided balls represent rain clouds. Hopi wedding ceremonies take years of planning and preparation to fulfill respective familial and cultural obligations. Among the many time-consuming, labor-intensive activities is weaving the bride's wedding sash. Presented to her with a robe and ears of corn after the actual wedding ceremony, the cotton sash is carefully rolled in a reed case. The sash's tassels hang out one side of the case, symbolizing the much-needed rain that sustains life for communities in the arid American Southwest.( Source: Peabody Essex Museum)
Some additional background on weaving's for the wedding. Most marriages were solemnized in the winter months, beginning in January. At this time, the men of the groom's lineage, relieved from farming tasks, could weave the articles required as bridal gifts. Thee included two white cotton blankets, a dark dress, a blue woolen blanket, the big belt (rain sash), a wool belt, and a white blanket with red and blue borders. Kivea's were the scene of ginning, spinning and weaving activities.
