The Art of Spirituality
In my childhood I had heard my grandma say that there are four stages in one’s life a. The Stage of Bacherlorhood – a life of study, a life of … Continue reading
Where the Head is Held High …| Naga Headdress
The Naga people are proud of their heritage. With a hat and fashion sense like theirs, I would be too. It must be so easy to live Tagore’s words there: … Continue reading
A Glimpse of Stunning Mizo Textiles – The Puanchei
Most are now woven on power looms but a few are still made on back-strap looms.A Glimpse of Stunning Mizo Textiles – The Puanchei The Puanchei: The Puan is the … Continue reading
Ancient Art Motifs of Egypt
As I walk through the exhibits in the museum, it occurs to me that the Egyptian tombs were treasure troves not only of gold but also of art. The objects … Continue reading
Hand Looms, Foot Looms and more
Many of the textile enthusiasts that I know, enjoy understanding the technicalities that go into the creation of the art. The loom type, the weave type, the knot structure etc … Continue reading
A Story in a Nose Ring
Four times I have had my nose pierced. In spite of the fact that it is long & hook shaped and has provided all its viewers with immense mirth – … Continue reading
A LADAKHI LADY DONS HER HEIRLOOM JEWELRY
On the way back from interior Himalayas in September last year, we stopped at a tiny village in Skyurbuchan that had the only restaurant along the way, for a late … Continue reading
Wovensouls ‘Vanishing Cultures’ Exhibition Highlights |Antique Yao Paintings
Pair of Yao Ritual Paintings. This set from the Kin Mun Yao of Northern Vietnam and is of significant age. Microscopic examination of the paper reveals an unfamiliar fabric like … Continue reading
Wovensouls ‘Vanishing Cultures’ Exhibition Highlights | Vintage Akha Headdress
This headdress is a signature element of the costume of one of the Akha subtribes living in Northern Thailand. Available for acquisition. ‘Vanishing Cultures’ An exhibition of photography & antique … Continue reading
Traditional Architecture & Art in the Houses of South India
How can a house that is so simple, serene and peaceful be the cause of the debilitating greed that arises in me when I view it? Every house that I … Continue reading
And we thought ornaments were only for people? Traditional Animal Adornments
And we thought ornaments and clothing were only for humans? A few vintage & antique examples of traditional adornments for the beloved farm animals. 1. Large Necklaces for a pair … Continue reading
Vanishing Cultural Knowledge – the Penans of Borneo
This a picture* of a man from the Penan group that now number 10,000 and is probably the last group that lives surviving solely on the produce of hunting & … Continue reading
Intriguing Balinese Calendars – Palindon & Palelintangan
In a world with so many different cultures with divergent ideologies and beliefs, naturally there are as many ways to mark the passage of time and predict fortunes. I studied … Continue reading
Mystical Gold Ornaments from the past
When I look at some of the ornaments from the past, they leave me awestruck! The art & craft within them is doubtlessly stunning. But beyond that, there is an … Continue reading
Turquoise Art – The Blue Veil of Ladakh
An unusual Museum Quality Perak headdress from the Purang / Burang region. Authentic heirloom peraks are extreme,y rare now and among Peraks Purang Peraks are the rarest to find. The … Continue reading
The Fantastic Skeypuk Jewelry of Himalayan Interiors
The mystery of how coral got to the Himalayas has many explanations yet the mind continues to meander into the past seeking confirmations. While the mind continues to thirst for … Continue reading
VINTAGE NAVRATRI COSTUMES GHAGRAS, CHANIYAS & DHOTIS
Vintage Odhnis, Skirts, Ghaagras and Chaniyas from Gujarat from the WOVENSOULS collection: Please view the complete collection at WOVENSOULS.COM Shipping will be from Singapore. JM Aug 2013 Save
Traditional Sugar Mill, Ryukyu Okinawa
A short photo essay of the traditional sugar extraction process from sugar cane using a bullock driven crushing mechanism. The low yield of this process surprised me. I wondered why … Continue reading
Grace of a Ryukyu Weaver, Okinawa
Another shore excursion, another learning experience. A lesson in grace, a lesson in technique from the legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom, seen in Okinawa, Japan The Weaving Process: jm Aug … Continue reading
Textile Art of Gujarat
I grew up in the Gujarati community of traders. A community in which the critical success factor is ‘data mining’ within the community. Fathers, father’s brothers, mother’s brothers, neighbourhood elders, … Continue reading
Goan Fisherman’s tale – traditional wisdom, traditional fishing
While one half of the world chases efficiency and big money, Goa continues to chase the perfect life. Afternoon siestas are still not traded for earnings. I have been turned … Continue reading
