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This fragment is part of the "CulturalxCollabs - Weaving the Future" carpet.
Through the fragment we trace the journey of the fragment owners and their collabs as they explore, experiment and creatively advance socially relevant themes. Here is the fragment as we are sending it on this three and a half-year journey.
Follow this story to observe the transformations the fragment undergoes over the course of these years...
The journey begins...
...with Anahita Sadighi
We aim to celebrate the unknown creators of Iran with CulturalXCollabs. Our image highlights the artistic creations of Persian nomadic women, showcasing their influence on both historical and contemporary art and design.
Nomadic textile art was exclusively created by women. Thus, the history of nomadic art is also a history of strong women. Rediscovering this heritage strengthens the women's movement and serves as a symbol against stereotypes of women from West Asian cultures. With our image, we want to draw attention to the unknown textile artists of Iran and raise awareness for creative, authentic production processes and sustainable lifestyles.
The Importance of Kelims and Carpets in Nomadic Life
Kelims and carpets were of great importance to nomadic life. The Gabbeh, knotted works with a low pile and a less dense knotting, initially served as clothing or blankets. Beyond their daily use, they were believed to provide nomads with magical powers against misfortune and natural forces. This idea is rooted in the concept of protective animals, which developed over millennia. Bears, wolves, and lions strongly influenced the imagination of people living in nature.
Using Natural Resources
The textiles were produced independently and sustainably. Thanks to their animal herds, the nomadic women were able to use sheep's wool, as well as goat and camel hair. They spun the yarn and collected plants for dyeing the yarns. They then wove the Kelims and knotted the carpets. The inspiration for the design of the textiles stemmed from an ancient tradition and way of life, as well as a magical worldview.
Nomadic traditions and transmission of textile art
Up until the 20th century, the nomadic women preserved a vibrant color symbolism, with compositions resulting from complex traditions and thoughts. The various weaving and dyeing techniques depended on the respective tribal affiliations, providing clues to the origin and age of the textiles. The patterns were passed down through generations and were also transmitted through alliances and marriages between tribes. Written sources were not part of the nomadic tradition; oral transmission was common. To this day, there is little research on the history of nomadic art. However, an important source of information on the significance of patterns and colors are the elderly weavers of the tribes, who still maintain a nomadic lifestyle today.
Into the 20th century
Anyone who delves deeply into nomadic art will notice that the works were indeed pioneers of modernity. Their works are current, and in their expressiveness, individuality, and aesthetic power, they are comparable to the great works of modern art. The fascinating and surprisingly modern-looking antique textile works show strong parallels to Bauhaus weavings and the paintings of the New York School of the 20th century. The archaic visual simplicity of the Kelims had a significant influence on the formal experiments of modern art.
Front and Back
About the Project
The Museum for Islamic Art's project, #CulturalxCollabs - Weaving the future, celebrates the transformative power of cultural exchange and the shared threads that unite us all. All the things we love, have loved and will ever love come from cultural exchange, migration and diversity, or as we like to call it #CulturalxCollabs.
100 carpet fragments, cut from a replica of the iconic dragon carpet, will travel the world (delivered by DHL). The fragments will ignite #CulturalxCollabs with co-creators, inspiring human ingenuity, fostering community and ultimately demonstrating how cultural exchange enriches all our lives.
Follow #CulturalxCollabs on Instagram as the project unfolds...
...or learn more here
Weaving the Future
Join us on a journey with 100 carpet fragments as they travel around the world for three and a half years, finding temporary homes while bridging cultural boundaries, fostering worldwide community united by the power of human stories.
Fragment Journeys
100 carpet fragments part of the "CulturalxCollabs - Weaving the Future" project. Follow their journeys through the ever changing owners' over three and a half years.
Where is the Dragon?
The star of the "CulturalxCollabs - Weaving the Future" project is a so-called Caucasian dragon carpet from the 17th century. A dragon carpet - all well and good - but: where is the dragon?
