A Survey of Ryukyuan/Okinawa Textiles in North American Collections

Dr. Mayer Stinchecum undertook a survey of 41 items of cloth or clothing in the ROM’s collection that were catalogued as either Ryukyuan or Okinawan in provenance, a significantly large number in a single collection. Building on her previous research that examined nearly 400 Ryukyuan/ Okinawan textile items in North American collections. Her close examination of each item, recorded information on fibre content, yarn construction, weave structure, dyes and pigments used, any decorative techniques, and, when applicable, garment design and construction. In addition, she investigated the circumstances in which the items were acquired, and the motivations behind the creation of the collection.