Carrying strap (tara) late 18th-early 19th century

textile, cotton

product photograph merchandise

natural stone pattern

product fashion photography

textile

clothing promotion photography

japan

stoneware

clothing photography

clothing photo

cotton

round circular shape

layered pattern

retail photography

This anonymous “Carrying strap (tara)” from the late 18th to early 19th century is a woven textile from the Philippines. The strap is made of braided and woven natural fibers, creating a distinct, intricate pattern. The design, characterized by a geometric motif in shades of blue and gold, is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The strap, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, represents the rich artistic tradition of textiles in the Philippines during the colonial era. It is a testament to the skill and creativity of the anonymous weaver who crafted it.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This head strap, or tara, was used by a woman to carry heavy items, such as a small child or a bundle of firewood, on her back. The ends were tied around the item, which was then lifted and suspended by the woven band placed on her forehead. As Ainu society changed during the Meiji era (1868–1912), this type of strap lost its function in daily life; it was repurposed as a burial accessory.