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The Ethnic Costume Collection was originally established in 1992 initially to serve as a resource for a new ethnic costume course that was added to the curriculum. As the collection has grown through many purchases and donations, it may now be used as a resource for faculty and students in other college courses including anthropology, humanities, history and non-Western art.
Three categories of ethnic costumes are included in this collection. The first category includes clothing and accessories that have actually been worn or used by various cultures from around the world. The majority of the costumes in the collection are in this category and provide excellent examples of material culture. Reproductions make up the second category and may be used as good resources especially for the study of pattern design, construction techniques, and resulting silhouettes. The collection has a complete set of Folkwear patterns that are based on thorough research of garments. The third and smallest category includes items that have been produced for export or for the tourist trade. Items that illustrate authentic design techniques or fabrics representative of their respective cultures are catalogued in this category.
Database search
To search the database of the ethnic costume collection, click on one of the cultures,
countries or continents listed in the search box for a list of costumes or textiles from
that cultural area. Then select one or more of these entries to view the digital image and
read the description and additional information. Advanced search is also available.
 Woman's coat Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, 1960 E2000.025 |
 Woman's dress Africa, 2000 2001.004 |
