Hopi rain sash, San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico. Hand woven cotton, corn kernels, mid 20th century, 94" (238.6 cm) long by 5.5" (14 cm) wide. Ex. private collection, New York.

This rain sash is in wonderful condition with a little soiling on one side from wear. Inside the balls on the fringe are small pieces of dried corn on the cob. It comes with a custom wall mount as seen in the final photo; the photo above was taken horizontally so the mount shows - normally there would be no dent.

Some history: The groom and other men in the Hopi community weave the bride's robe and sash Sometimes called a "rain sash," the long fringe symbolizes falling rain and the braided balls represent rain clouds. Hopi wedding ceremonies take years of planning and preparation to fulfill respective familial and cultural obligations. Among the many time-consuming, labor-intensive activities is weaving the bride's wedding sash. Presented to her with a robe and ears of corn after the actual wedding ceremony, the cotton sash is carefully rolled in a reed case. The sash's tassels hang out one side of the case, symbolizing the much-needed rain that sustains life for communities in the arid American Southwest. (Source: Peabody Essex Museum)