Jaipur Ensemble

Unknown designer, India

CFTC #261, #263, #266

Gift of Beulah Blackmore

This ensemble was collected by Blackmore in Jaipur, India. Compared to the sari, which is traditionally worn throughout the rest of India, this ensemble consists of three separate pieces: an orhni (shawl), ghaghra (full skirt), and choli (bodice). The orhni is a type of head covering worn by Rashistani women in northern India. The orhni Blackmore collected also illustrates the tie-dye technique known as bandhani. Rashistani women typically pair the orhni with a backless choli tied with a string and full skirt. However, the bodice purchased by Blackmore is neither backless nor fully embroidered. In fact, the blouse appears to be made out of printed cotton. To the left, Dhimitra Tassi ‘39, a junior in the College of Home Economics, is shown wearing the ensemble Blackmore purchased for the 1938 showcase in a similar manner as the Punjab woman depicted in the postcard Blackmore collected in Jaipur.