Kera or Woman's Belt

Look at a long, narrow woven strip, white at the top and very pink at the bottom.

This kera or woman's belt is from Bhutan, and dates to the 20th century. It is embroidered cotton. In Bhutan the kera is a belt worn by women to secure the kira, the wrapped, ankle-length dress, at the waist. Taken in full, a tall, thin textile band with a plain cream upper half marked by fine reddish stripes. The lower section is woven in dense pink, red and green geometric patterns. Long, thin threads hang from the bottom edge. It is 12.5 inches wide and 59 long.

Plain on top, wildly decorated below, and fringed to finish.