GK (Fig. 40) is a bag of similar construction to the last. The pocket is made of unbleached cotton cloth, having a few red and dark blue stripes down the centre, and the strap consists of a strip of black cloth, 6.5 cm. wide, having a narrow stripe of red and yellow down the centre, and its warp ends twisted and knotted to make a fringe. This braid, where it forms the sides of the bag, has some finely woven patterns in reel and yellow as a decoration. The front of the bag is ornamented by a series of borders in the upper part, and rows of spots below, the designs in both cases are based on the square and executed in indigo blue and red.
Strips of red and indigo blue cloth are added to the fringed warp ends of the braid to form tassels. There are a number of other bags in the collection which belong to one or other of the types described.
In conclusion it may be said, that the examination of these cloths, garments and bags, all of which, from the sowing of the cotton seed to the finished article, are the product of women's labour, impresses one with the good taste, and practical skill of the workers.
The innumerable variations of simple elements of pattern, even when the original motives appear to be traditional, are evidence of a fertility of imagination far greater than would be expected naturally under the existing social conditions. The delightful mingling of colours on black or neutrally tinted backgrounds, and the restraint from over-decorations, shew to what a high degree the sense of artistic fitness has been developed; whilst the excellent use made of so many varied materials, often of a somewhat unpromising kind, displays great ingenuity as well.
The whole collection repays careful study, for it includes many excellent examples of fine craftsmanship carried out by the simplest of means.
