Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2009 School for Advanced Research.
Robe | Mi'ha
Date: in or before 1926
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
183.1 x 152.4 cm (72 1/16 x 60 in.)
Medium: cotton | wool | dye
Credit Line: Indian Arts Fund purchase for the permanent collection, 1926.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.T11
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit June 10 and 11, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 2”): This is a ceremonial robe of a type that can be used for many ceremonial dances, including Shalako (but not just Shalako). The Zuni word for it is mi’ha. They are items owned by individuals, but which are often loaned to others for ceremonial use. Mi’has are woven by men and embroidered by women. It is now common for people to buy white cloth and then embroider it at Zuni. The embroidered designs at the top of the textile are of clouds and water waves. The motifs in the embroidery at the bottom are flowers and rain clouds. The yellow yarns stitched into the corners of the piece would have marked its ownership. It was an individually-owned piece (not a communally-owned one), so the owner would stitch it in certain places with a particular color so he could recognize it as his own and not get it mixed up with others. It has no stains on it from body paint, or any other signs of use, so it may not have been used. This piece should be considered ceremonial because it was made to be worn at ceremonies. It is okay for photography and publication by anyone and has no special storage or handling restrictions.
In Collection(s)
Bibliography:
Pueblo Indian Textiles
- Pg. 48
- Fig. Plate 9
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.