Sackcloth

Pasapu

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: https://khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265

"577. Handkerchief - "Pasapu"
A small handkerchief made from a piece of European gauze, with a gold embroidered lilac hem. Held in the hand at high ceremonies and feasts by privileged women and ladies in waiting as an ornament; also placed in little boxes and handed around at banquettes for drying the hands after a meal, naturally, only pro forma."

Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 148). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller