Archival Indian Bird Figure

Single textile bird figure from the estate of Bonnie Cashin.  Purchased by Cashin in 1956 during a visit to India on behalf of the Ford Foundation to advise the Indian government on textile exports. Each figure was traditionally made to ward off evil spirts and sewn from scrap textiles. Actual bird purchased is randomly selected. 

Cashin's fondness for birds as inspiration and symbol of liberation was evident throughout her career. For example, in her debut eponymous collections at mid-century she repeatedly cited birds as  inspiring her palette and a system of referring to garments by bird type: workaday dresses as "sparrows," evening play clothes as "night owls," and and entrance clothes as "peacocks."

Bonnie herself was described as a "little bird," constantly in motion with a purpose.