Hat & Parfleche Set (RETIRED)
Dec 11, 2017 17:20:08 GMT -5
Post by Wickfield on Dec 11, 2017 17:20:08 GMT -5
I like how Kaya's hat, bracelet, and parfleche set are really specific to Kaya's region and culture. They help keep her offerings from being a generic "Indian" theme, since not all Indians wore the special "basket-style" hat worn by the Plateau Indians!
The hat is the best part, it is kind of odd that it is woven of like a twine material, but I think it is meant to represent the hempen "cord" Speaking Rain made in the books. It is lined to prevent Kaya's hair from snagging and is edged with the same leather as her adorned dress. I love the little tassels with feathers and beads! The beads are also the same as those used on her adorned dress, a perfect match.
The bracelet is a cool accessory, I like the idea of it being etched bone, but it looks quite plasticky. The prototype shown on the pamphlet seems to be a thicker plastic, and I think that looked better and more like bone. I really don't like the closure used for the bracelet. I appreciate the authenticity, but it is hard to tie that tiny thong. I would have preferred the bracelet were a bangle, or if they wanted to keep the appearance of the realistic closure, I would have liked a notch to slide the knotted cord into instead of having to thread and tie it every time.
I'm conflicted on the parfleche. It is cool to look at and I love that it was included in her collection, but I don't love its looks. It is made of leather, but coated in this weird beige vinyl which has the "painted design" printed on top. The design looks fake and is very pale compared to the catalog images as well as realistic extant parfleches, which have much brighter, solid designs. On the plus side, I was able to fit her adorned dress and moccasins inside, just like in the book! I'm not sure why other reviewers were unable to fit things in theirs, all I did was fold the dress up and it fit just fine.
Despite a few issues I would still recommend this set for Kaya collectors if just for the hat alone! I will give the entire set a B+.
The hat is the best part, it is kind of odd that it is woven of like a twine material, but I think it is meant to represent the hempen "cord" Speaking Rain made in the books. It is lined to prevent Kaya's hair from snagging and is edged with the same leather as her adorned dress. I love the little tassels with feathers and beads! The beads are also the same as those used on her adorned dress, a perfect match.
The bracelet is a cool accessory, I like the idea of it being etched bone, but it looks quite plasticky. The prototype shown on the pamphlet seems to be a thicker plastic, and I think that looked better and more like bone. I really don't like the closure used for the bracelet. I appreciate the authenticity, but it is hard to tie that tiny thong. I would have preferred the bracelet were a bangle, or if they wanted to keep the appearance of the realistic closure, I would have liked a notch to slide the knotted cord into instead of having to thread and tie it every time.
I'm conflicted on the parfleche. It is cool to look at and I love that it was included in her collection, but I don't love its looks. It is made of leather, but coated in this weird beige vinyl which has the "painted design" printed on top. The design looks fake and is very pale compared to the catalog images as well as realistic extant parfleches, which have much brighter, solid designs. On the plus side, I was able to fit her adorned dress and moccasins inside, just like in the book! I'm not sure why other reviewers were unable to fit things in theirs, all I did was fold the dress up and it fit just fine.
Despite a few issues I would still recommend this set for Kaya collectors if just for the hat alone! I will give the entire set a B+.