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Notes on Culture & Antique Art, Ethnic Decor & Vintage Fashion | Wovensouls Art Gallery

Use of Sungkit Textiles in Headhunting Ceremonies / Borneo / 1800s

This note is about the use of Textiles in extinct ceremonies & practices in the 1800s in Borneo. Please be aware and proceed to read only if the title appeals to you.

July 19, 2021 · Leave a comment

Hainan Brocades & Embroidery

I have just been introduced to two groups of textile arts created by the Li people of Hainan. As I learn I am sharing the resources that I’ve found. Hainan … Continue reading

April 14, 2021 · 1 Comment

A Lesson in Humility

This Pua Kumbu Sungkit (Link) that has just recently arrived to grace my life, reminded me of a personal anecdote that taught me a lesson. Years ago, I saw my … Continue reading

October 6, 2020 · 3 Comments

A Glimpse of Banarasi Sari Weaving – 1

A little abouta visit to the handloom weaving centre in Banaras through which I learnt a few things. Since I have not learnt about textile design I had no idea … Continue reading

September 7, 2020 · Leave a comment

Elephant or Stork? Laotian Silk Weaving – 2

So remember this? I received a note from a knowledgeable reader and am sharing his note here: Joshua Hirschstein writes “The primary motif is that of the “phii nyak,” or … Continue reading

May 16, 2020 · Leave a comment

Elephant or Stork? Laotian Silk Weaving

Elephant? Stork? Dragon? Who is it that lurks in this amazing antique silk weaving from Laos? And who are the two little one riding on his back? If one doesn’t … Continue reading

May 11, 2020 · Leave a comment

The Best Exotic Azeri Shaddah Weaving

(Title inspired by the Hollywood film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) So after rummaging through the internet for Shaddahs or Shaddas, I have come to appreciate mine even more than ever. … Continue reading

April 11, 2020 · 1 Comment

WHO are these MEN?

Fascinating to find five men lurking in a soumac rug fragment….. Here they are! Am assuming they are men because of the hair. The lower half is mermaidesque … am … Continue reading

October 12, 2019 · Leave a comment

Hybrid Art 7 – Kashmir Shawl

Finding pieces that are ‘pure’ in their identity is always a pleasure. But finding pieces that have some hybrid qualities adds excitement to the process of discovery of the character … Continue reading

October 12, 2019 · Leave a comment

A Weaving from Sumba

Coming across local names of textiles makes me realise that the 5.5 languages I know are totally inadequate. I should have learnt them all. For, every word, is descriptive and … Continue reading

September 20, 2019 · Leave a comment

Desert Art – Motifs of the Bishnoi People

How can one not love this art? In my few trips to Rajasthan I’ve not had the good fortune of seeing these in-situ .. being worn by the Bishnoi women. … Continue reading

August 26, 2019 · 1 Comment

Animal Love

We all love our animals! The Qashqai weaver put hers in her rug while I had a few sweet moments with a sheep & a goat in my lap! See … Continue reading

August 4, 2019 · Leave a comment

A Lesson in Azerbaijan Flatweaves

A little lesson on Azerbaijan flatweaves offering a distinction between the Verneh, the Sileh, the Shadda and the Soumac.

June 10, 2019 · Leave a comment

The Girl with the Dragon

Can you spot her? . . . . . Isn’t she lovely? See more of this gorgeous not-for-sale antique dragon sumac rug here on WOVENSOULS – asset 1379. *** jm … Continue reading

May 20, 2019 · Leave a comment

A Charkha Spinning Wheel

Sighting of a decorated Charkha Spinning Wheel – used in a vanishing craft

February 3, 2019 · 3 Comments

Service or Sacrilege? The Dilemma of Textile Art Fragments

Have you seen these? Amazing creativity isn’t it?!! ❤️ The ones that I have are in good but not in perfect condition – usage, withering natural life of the fibre … Continue reading

October 18, 2018 · Leave a comment

Artwork of the Day

A Peacock takes a little ram for a walk! What an endearing example of folk creativity! Seen in this most-beloved AntiqueQashqai Shekarlu rug that I cannot get enough of! More … Continue reading

October 2, 2018 · Leave a comment

Waiting…. The Antique Shekarlu Qashqai Rug

For years I’ve eyed Shekarlu rugs. Their identity is highly evolved and very striking! Very rustic in character the rugs are filled with an extravagant number of minor motif elements … Continue reading

September 17, 2018 · 3 Comments

Book Recommendation – Bhutan Weavings

August 24, 2018 · 3 Comments

Astitva Project – New Beginnings – May 2018

For those who have provided encouragement and support and are following the story – here are some photos that just came in today. The loom is being constructed by the … Continue reading

August 11, 2018 · Leave a comment

A Man and His Dowry

In many parts of North Africa, at the time of the proposal the families discuss the dowry the man is willing to pay to get his bride. The dowry is … Continue reading

August 7, 2018 · Leave a comment

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