This course meets online via Zoom. Registration is open through 1/25/2022.
Overview
This class examines both historical and contemporary textile traditions from around the world. It looks at the symbolism, cultural context and techniques used in creating these textiles as well as their role in today’s economy. Participants will gain an understanding of their social, economic, ritualistic and aesthetic significance as well as gain an appreciation of the amazing skills required to create them. The course consists of illustrated lectures. Each week, Rose will show examples of textiles from her collection. The care and conservation of textile collections will be discussed.
Topics include
Week 1: Why textiles are important: Fiber, dyes, tools, patterning processes, textile care.
Week 2: Textiles of Latin America
- Traditional dress of Guatamala
- Historic and contemporary textiles of Peru
Week 3: Post-colonial African textiles
- Printed and appliqued fabrics of Africa: Adir, Adinkra, Asofo flags, Mudcloth
- Woven textiles of Africa: Kente, Kuba, Shamanic textiles
Week 4: India, Pakistan and Butan
- Courtly textiles: The influence of Indiant textiles throughout Asia
- Master dyers and weavers
- Tribal Textiles of India and Pakistan
- Protective textils: Chakla, Toran
- Dowry textile
- Continuity in the dress of Butan
Week 5: Central Asia, China and Vietnam
- Nomads and town dwellers
- Oasis Cities of the Silk Route
- Adras (Ikat)
- Suzani - Dowry embroidery
- China and Vietnam's ethnic minorities
- Textile/ Dress and cultural identity and status
Week 6: Japan and South East Asia
- Techniques and textiles of Japan
- Sushiko and Boro
- Kimonos and Samuri
- Clothing and Customs of South East Asia
- The legacy of Jim Thompson
- Hill tribes of the Golden Triangle
-Yantra - protective symbols
