Woman’s Garment (Kira)


Kira is the principal form of dress worn by Bhutanese women, formed from three lengths of cloth stitched together to create a rectangular panel. The garment is wrapped around the body, folded into a wide pleat in front and fastened at the shoulders with silver ornaments, and belted at the waist.

Title: Woman’s Garment (Kira)

Artist: Unknown

Creation Date: 1990s

Geography: Bhutan

Culture: Bhutanese

Medium: Cotton

Technique: Plain weave, supplementary weft patterning (brocading).

Dimensions: 142 x 228 cm (40 x 60 1/4 in)

Classification: Costumes; principal attire (lower body)

Credit Line: Gift of Tina Ruyter, 2022

Object ID Number: 2022.13.KT731