tahya

Metal square cap form helmet with alloy squares. Worn by prepubescent girls. Neal St. E. UG.

This hat is designed to be worn by unmarried girls at all times as they grow up, symbolic of their honour and virtue. The silver dome on the top is called a gupba and has bird feathers inserted into it. The hat is often embroidered with red thread or flowers to symbolise blooming beauty and to protect the wearer from evil. Once a girl marries, she gives her tahva to her groom's youngest sister as part of the wedding celebration.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
HC.1999.58
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 85 x 140 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
metal
CATEGORY
Education Handling Collection: Anthropology
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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