Mixed media, Inga Hunter, Irusaq Robemaster's Robe, 1986-1989

Historical information

“The Robemaster is the designer of all robes of office. Each one is individually made for its wearer, and is regarded as the personal portrait of the office-bearer. Each one is replicated in miniature for the archives, a record left behind when the original is destroyed on the office-bearer’s death, or when she in some other way relinquishes her (or his) position. Robemasters are usually women. Most positions on lrusaq are theoretically held by men or women equally, but some seem to separate out, for instance, the Master of the Mines, by the very nature of the requirements of office, is nearly always held by a man. Robemaster is the opposite. It seems that the particular type of creativity needed is more frequently found in lrusaqi females, so that the office has come to be an exclusive prerogative of women. Robemasters are very highly regarded, and the position has come to hold great power, not directly, but because of the influence the officer can wield. Robemasters deal with everyone, go everywhere and know everything. Traditionally a Robemaster is always one of the three Imperium heads of office and acts as the major figurehead and spokesman in Irusaqui affairs. The last Robe designed by any retiring Robemaster is that of her successor, and the only symbolism required by law is the representation of a Robe somewhere on the work, otherwise the designer has complete freedom.” -Inga Hunter

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