Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card reads [printed in black ink]: White cotton elasticatd shorts. The shorts have a drawn design of a fish and a turtle, and written underneath 'I'Ian Dros' [Island drawers/underpants]. Each leg has a cocheted edge of pink and blue.
Event Date
Author: maa

Context (Display)
' Exhibited: 'Torres Strait Islanders: An Exhibition Marking the Centenary of the 1898 Cambridge Anthropological Exhibition' at UCMAA, July 1998 to December 2000, with following label " Shorts ailan dros. Shorts made in a mid-twentieth century style for wear underneath an ailan dress. Crochet is popular amongst Island communities. These shorts were sold at the Cultural Festival, Thursday Island. c. J. Philp 1996. 1996.1695." F. Veys, 9/8/2006'
Event Date
Author: maa

Context (Production / use)
Catelogue card reads [printed in black ink]: Ailan drawers were worn by both men and women underneath their calicos or (women) dresses. They were usually crocheted. Today women and men will often wear shorts or lycra (short) leggings under their clothes in addition to underwear.
Event Date 20/2/2013
Author: Rachel Hand