Hopi Cotton Rain Sash with Fringes [SOLD]

This fringed white braided Hopi Pueblo sash is often called the “wedding sash” as it is one of the items presented to the bride as part of her wedding outfit. It is also sometimes called the “rain sash” for the fringe symbolizes falling rain. The sash is woven by hand from handspun cotton. Fragments of similar sashes have been found in prehistoric pueblo sites, attesting to it being an ancient form of Southwestern Pueblo weaving. 

The sash is also worn by some Katsinas.  It is folded in half lengthwise and worn as a belt with the tassels falling down one side of the katsina's body.  The motion of the tassels swaying back and forth during a katsina dance simulates falling rain.  The Rain Sash is worn by Hopi Snake Dancers and by the Crow Mother Katsina and others.

Condition: very good condition

Recommended Reading:  Rain: Native Expressions From the American Southwest by Ann Marshall

Provenance: from a gentleman from Taos, New Mexico