Torana/Toran - Cotton, Silk - India - circa 1960-1970

Torana/toran - India, Gujarat - cotton, silk - ca. 1960-1970
Material: cotton, silk, embroidery silk
Technique: hand-assembled and embroidered
Dimensions: 99 x 61 x 0. 3 cm
Weight: 243 grams
Description: a torana (= toran) is hung above the door in Gujarat to keep out evil influences and to bring good luck. At the bottom hang leaf-shaped fringes, a derivative of auspicious real leaves that are strung on a string and are also hung by people who cannot afford a textile torana. It is customary to touch one of the leaves when entering the house or the room where the torana hangs; This torana has been in use for decades, as can be seen from the signs of wear.