Lungi Collection

Pina - drummer boy in a Buddhist temple, Kandy, Ceylon, 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Pina - drummer boy in a Buddhist temple, Kandy, Ceylon, 1898. Portrait of a child with a set of double drums secured round his waist. Pina, Trommeljunge in Buddha-Tempel

Studies of people, Colombo, Ceylon, 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Studies of people, Colombo, Ceylon, 1898. Roman Catholic Tamil man, Sinhalese man, Muslim man. Tscheddy Mam (Tamile) (Romische Katholik), Singhalese, Mohamedaner

A smile enlightened
Rahat Amin

Thomas Holroyd reads in his palanquin, c. 1835 (opaque w / c on paper)
6040529 Thomas Holroyd reads in his palanquin, c.1835 (opaque w/c on paper) by Shaik Muhammad Amir of Karraya (fl.1830-50); 16x24 cm; San Diego Museum of Art

1017136

Temple musicians, Kandy, Ceylon, 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Temple musicians, Kandy, Ceylon, 1898. Men playing pipe and drums. Tempelmusiker. From " Rund um die Erde" [Round the Earth], written and illustrated by C. W. Allers

Buddhist, Ceylon, 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Buddhist, Ceylon, 1898. Buddhist man holding a boat-shaped object. Buddha Pilester [?]. From " Rund um die Erde" [Round the Earth], written and illustrated by C. W. Allers

Douglas Bader and his wife
Douglas Bader (1910-1982) RAF fighter ace, pictured with his wife and a light aircraft at Lungi Airport, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Date: late 1950s

Sesame mill painted in honour of a Hindu goddess, India, 1936. Artist: Ewing Galloway
Sesame mill painted in honour of a Hindu goddess, India, 1936. From Peoples of the World in Pictures, edited by Harold Wheeler, published by Odhams Press Ltd (London, 1936)

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"Lungi: A Cultural Garment Uniting Diverse Lands and Traditions" The lungi, a versatile and vibrant garment, has woven its way through history, connecting people from different walks of life across various lands. From the captivating tales of Douglas Bader and his wife to the rhythmic beats of Pina, the drummer boy in a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Ceylon in 1898; this simple yet significant piece of clothing holds stories that transcend time. Intriguing studies by Christian Wilhelm Allers depict the diverse faces of Colombo, Ceylon in 1898. Among them is Thomas Holroyd engrossed in reading within his palanquin around 1835. His tranquil expression reflects the comfort and ease that can be found when wrapped in a lungi's embrace. A smile enlightened on countless faces captured by Allers' lens as he documented a group of men gathered together in Colombo. The lungi serves as an emblematic symbol unifying these individuals despite their differences. Journeying to Kandy's temples brings us closer to the heartbeats echoing through time. Temple musicians play enchanting melodies while Menika mesmerizes with her drumming at the revered Temple of Tooth. Ukku Banda stands tall as a young man immersed in devotion at another temple nearby - both adorned with lungis that signify their spiritual connection. Beyond borders lies India where Ewing Galloway's brush strokes bring alive a sesame mill painted to honor Hindu goddesses. This artistic tribute showcases how even religious customs find solace within this humble fabric. As we delve deeper into cultural practices, Gillot's artwork reveals cremation rituals unfolding amidst India's rich tapestry. Amidst these poignant moments, one may spot mourners draped elegantly in lungis paying homage to tradition while bidding farewell to loved ones. The lungi transcends boundaries.