Maternal veil (Pido) c. 1920

textile, cotton

natural stone pattern

textile

fashion and textile design

geometric pattern

repetitive shape and pattern

fabric design

repetition of pattern

pattern repetition

cotton

textile design

imprinted textile

layered pattern

"Maternal Veil (Pido)" is an anonymous textile from around 1920, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This large textile, measuring 95 5/8 x 66 5/8 in., is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of traditional Indonesian textile production. The veil boasts a vibrant yellow base, adorned with a central circular motif, surrounded by eight diamond-shaped patterns. The intricate borders feature repeating black and gold designs, highlighting a rich cultural heritage and artistic skill. This "Pido" serves as a prime example of Indonesian textiles, demonstrating the exquisite artistry and symbolism embedded within these cultural artifacts.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In Rajasthan, the mother of a newborn son traditionally wore a yellow veil known as a pido. Ten small lotus medallions symbolized the months of pregnancy and birth, while a large central lotus signaled the creation of a new life. Asking for a pido was a time-honored way for a wife to tell her husband she was expecting.