This exhibition will highlight a wide range of western and ethnographic costume, textile and furniture items acquired since 1992. Exquisite, labor-intensive dyeing, weaving, and embellishment techniques will be evident in many of the pieces. A grouping of textiles will contrast “authentic” pieces with pieces which simulate those same time-consuming dyeing, weaving, or surface embellishment techniques.

Selected items will illustrate how traditional techniques and materials have evolved in response to contact with the western world. Conversely, examples of western fashion items document the influence of motifs and techniques found in ethnographic textiles. In addition, groupings of hats and footwear will illustrate the diversity of materials, techniques, forms, and motifs that have been used throughout the world.