Etsy Shop for rayela

India- Vintage Royal Purple Silk Sari, Metallic Thread, 3

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$160.00
Dimensions:
184" long x 43" wide (over 5 yards!)
Metric: 467 x 109

Silk with metallic thread.

A couple of decades ago, saris like this one were burned to retrieve the metals in the threads. Then, as vintage textiles became interesting to the west, the value of both women's garments and buying power took on new meaning and many of these textiles were salvaged.

This piece has a rich, luscious feel to it. It does have one large tear and if you look closely at the photos, you will see it. Many quilters and fiber artists buy these old saris to incorporate them into new projects of their own. Although there are some fragile areas in this one, I believe most of it is still very strong. I pulled on it in several places to test it and it held.

As the sari is so long, I was not able to photograph it in one long piece, so it is folded and hopefully I have captured some of its beauty. It was hard to get the color to match the original, but imagine a true purple, as in a grape or eggplant and that will be close. The thread looks like brass.

Click on the zoom feature for larger images.

There is enough yardage here for many projects: garments, pillows, curtains... Some people use old saris as window dressing, draping them over and around a window. This fabric would be gorgeous incorporated into a quilt.

Estimated age is 20-30 years.

Shipping is free on this piece, worldwide.
________________________________

Please visit my store for gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

I write about ethnic textiles and fiber art in my blog: /fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Come find Rayela Art on Facebook!

Vintage Central Asian Embroidered Textile, Uzbek Suzani Tapestry 14

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$140.00
Dimensions: 72" long x 66" wide
Metric: 183 x 168 cm

Specifics on this piece:
A China red cotton background fabric serves as a wonderful contrast to the bold embroidery. Dyes have run in some places and embroidery threads feel like silk. If you wash this piece, it will probably run even more, but you could dry clean it quite safely. A black trim with machine sewing in white thread finishes off the edges. The top strip has a reinforcement on the back and has loops for hanging. That piece, especially, shows quite a bit of wear and the trim has separated a bit at the top right corner. Golden tassels frame the bottom of the textile.

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Suzani textiles go all out for impact in color, size and their recognizable floral flair. Appropriately, the word suzani means needle, but is used to refer to the larger tapestries.

Throughout history, nomadic women and girls of Uzbekistan embroidered these large tapestries to adorn their yurts and tents. They were dowry pieces as well as a way of adding a personal stamp to ones living space. Large pieces were often worked on by several people at once, each on a strip that would later be joined together. Sometimes the strips wouldn't match up or someone would go nuts on their own colors of choice. I remember when I first saw these textiles over 20 years ago- I fell in love with the organic fluidity of the motifs, the imperfections, and the wild color choices. It was my introduction to the silk road and I have been hooked since.

Suzanis have always been a source of good income for women, too. Village women wanted them for their homes and to this day, embroidery continues to be a vital source of income for Uzbeki women. Older suzanis are highly collectible. They often use silk threads with tight embroidery, but are becoming harder and harder to find. This piece is newer, estimated at late 1970's or early 1980's.

See my blog for more articles on suzanis: fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Suzani

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on US orders over $100 and up to $20 credit on shipping costs for international orders over $100. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Central Asian Embroidered Textile, Uzbek Suzani Tapestry 15

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$90.00
Dimensions: 152" long x 26" wide
Metric: 386 x 66 cm

Specifics on this piece:
This is a long, narrow embroidery that would be used high up on a wall. It would look great above a sitting area or hanging vertically on a narrow wall, such as one might find by a stairway. The background fabric is a deep dusty rose satin. The edges are unfinished. It probably had a backing at one time which would add some weight to the piece. There are pen marks throughout, marking areas that were going to be filled in with embroidery. Embroidery thread feels like silk. This piece was hard to photograph because it is so long. The photos of it hanging are of it folded in half, first one side, then the other.

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Suzani textiles go all out for impact in color, size and their recognizable floral flair. Appropriately, the word suzani means needle, but is used to refer to the larger tapestries.

Throughout history, nomadic women and girls of Uzbekistan embroidered these large tapestries to adorn their yurts and tents. They were dowry pieces as well as a way of adding a personal stamp to ones living space. Large pieces were often worked on by several people at once, each on a strip that would later be joined together. Sometimes the strips wouldn't match up or someone would go nuts on their own colors of choice. I remember when I first saw these textiles over 20 years ago- I fell in love with the organic fluidity of the motifs, the imperfections, and the wild color choices. It was my introduction to the silk road and I have been hooked since.

Suzanis have always been a source of good income for women, too. Village women wanted them for their homes and to this day, embroidery continues to be a vital source of income for Uzbeki women. Older suzanis are highly collectible. They often use silk threads with tight embroidery, but are becoming harder and harder to find. This piece is newer, estimated at late 1970's or early 1980's.

See my blog for more articles on suzanis: fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Suzani

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on US orders over $100 and up to $20 credit on shipping costs for international orders over $100. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Handwoven Vintage Central Asian Gobi Carpet 4

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$160.00
Dimensions:
34" x 21"
Metric: 86 x 53.5 centimeters

Afghani craftsmanship at its finest! I like this small rug so much that I almost kept it for myself.... This style is known as Gobi or Gabbeh and is inspired by rock formations found in the mountains of Afghanistan. The carpet is handwoven, 100% wool. The wool is soft and has a nice sheen to it. The wool used comes from the undercoat of the sheep. It is not as strong as the fibers used in other carpet styles, but soft and durable.

Estimated age: 1980's

Use the zoom option for larger images.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, might also interest you: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/ Lots of articles on rugs, ethnic textiles, fair trade and invited guest artists.

Find Rayela Art on Facebook!

Note on shipping on this piece: I offer free shipping on purchases over $100. However, on heavier pieces, I only cover $20 on international orders and the customer pays the balance. It is very difficult to estimate how much a piece like this will cost to ship to other locations, but based on previous shipments, it will be under $30 to Australia or Europe. Shipping is free on this piece in the United States.

Afghanistan- Handwoven Vintage Central Asian Kilim Floor Pillow 11

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$120.00
Dimensions:
36" x 23"
Metric: 91 x 58 centimeters

Afghani craftsmanship at its finest! Veggie dyed, this floor pillow is made from two pieces of salvaged Baluchi kilims. Both were handwoven, 100% wool. Orange is the dominant color on one side and red on the other. There is an opening on the side where stuffing can be added in. It would have to be sewn shut as there is no closure. This piece can also be used as a rug as is or as a padding for a seat.

Estimated age: 1980's

Use the zoom option for larger images.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, might also interest you: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/ Lots of articles on rugs, ethnic textiles, fair trade and invited guest artists.

Find Rayela Art on Facebook!

Note on shipping on this piece: I offer free shipping on purchases over $100. However, on heavier pieces, I only cover $20 on international orders and the customer pays the balance. It is very difficult to estimate how much a piece like this will cost to ship to other locations, but based on previous shipments, it will be under $30 to Australia or Europe. Shipping is free on this piece in the United States.

Prairie Point Mustard Pillow 4, 16 inches

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$60.00
I made this!!!

This technique is called prairie point. I was inspired by an old doily I bought from a dealer many years ago that was from the 1930's. I looked at it and thought, hmmmm.... I think I can figure this out.

Basically, you take a square of fabric, fold it in half, then in half again, fold the edges in (kind of like origami), and sew it down. Make a long string of them and then attach starting from the outside, working in. The center piece is a large yo-yo, appliquéd down.

The background fabric is a thick, rough upholstery fabric, kind of knubby. The prairie points are a fine linen that have a nice sheen to them. The yo-yo in the middle is a hand-batiked cotton from Indonesia. The back is a thickly woven, sturdy cotton fabric. The pillow is strong and you could probably machine wash it, but I would recommend dry cleaning. The third photo shows a similar pillow that has been stuffed with a 14" pillow and the last photo is a picture of the back. Click on the displayed photo for a larger image.

The pillow form is not included. You can use a 14" or 16" pillow form, a standard size (at least in the US) easily found at any chain fabric store. If you do not have access to one in your area, I can pick it up for you here, but will have to charge you the cost, plus it will add considerably to your shipping fee.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Aqua Waters Necklace, African Copper, Recycled Glass and Ethiopian Silver

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$48.00
I made this!

Dimensions:
20.5" long
(51 cm)

Well, OK... I strung the beads that wonderful African artisans made. The recycled glass is from Ghana, a light teal that looks like water. The copper spacers are hand stamped and rolled, from Ethiopia, as well as the silver round beads. Copper and gold colored glass seed beads accent the necklace.

I strung them on fake gut- very strong and pliable and crimped them on to an Indonesian sterling hook.

Click on the photos for the zoom option to see larger images.

My store focuses on ethnic textiles (ralli quilts, hand-carved textile stamps, vintage remnants, fabric, molas, embroidery, Afghan kilims and anything fiber I can get my hands on!). I also sew and quilt, so you will find some other funky things I've made, too. Please come visit and if you like all of this, my blog is a must-see, too: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

All sales on Etsy are in USD. Free shipping on purchases over $100. (Except on textile stamps and large rugs going outside of the U.S.)

Riverstone Necklace

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:28:10 -0500

$36.00
I made this!

Dimensions:
17.5" long
(44 cm)

Well, OK... I strung these beautiful riverstones together, spacing them with Ethiopian brass and silver colored glass seed beads. Strong tiger tail holds them together, crimped on to an Indonesian sterling hook.

Click on the photos for the zoom option to see larger images.

My store focuses on ethnic textiles (ralli quilts, hand-carved textile stamps, vintage remnants, fabric, molas, embroidery, Afghan kilims and anything fiber I can get my hands on!). I also sew and quilt, so you will find some other funky things I've made, too. Please come visit and if you like all of this, my blog is a must-see, too: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

All sales on Etsy are in USD. Free shipping on purchases over $100. (Except on textile stamps and large rugs going outside of the U.S.)

Mola Textile 26, Cross- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:26:24 -0500

$36.00
Dimensions: 17.5"x 13"
Metric: 44 x 33 cm

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). One of the photos shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Large 4

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:25:58 -0500

$12.00
Dimensions: 6.75" x 7.55"
17.5 x 19 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric and interfacing make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This piece has some damage on one side, so it has been discounted.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Medium 6

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:25:58 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 6" x 5"
16 x 13 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of cardboard make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This piece has some damage to the trim, so it has been discounted.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Mola Textile 29, Flying Bird- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:25:58 -0500

$36.00
Dimensions: 14.25"x 11.25"
Metric: 36 x 28 cm

Note: This mola has been worn. The background fabric is a textured polyester, the rest is cotton.

Click on the zoom options for larger images.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). The last photo shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 50- Square with Round Shisha

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:25:23 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 4.5" x 3.5"
11.5 x 9 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 15, 6 Shisha Mirrors, Cowrie Shells and Stamped Findings

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:25:23 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 4.75" x 4.25"
12 x 10.5 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.
This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The surface of the patch was completely covered with hand embroidery which appears to be silk. Then, small aluminum discs that were punched and stamped were sewn over the embroidery. Two cowrie shells hang at either end.. Estimated age is at least 20 years.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework:

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Strip Mola 17, Armadillo, Tan- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:24:46 -0500

$28.00
Dimensions: 31.5"x 6"

Two layers of fabric. This insert is intended to be incorporated into a quilt or larger textile. It could also work as a border on a garment. This is a recent variant on traditional uses of mola. See my other listings for traditional sized mola.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear mola and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). One of the photos shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Cotton Speckle Textures Quilting or Sewing Fabric Lot 5, 4.5 yards, Assorted Colors

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:24:46 -0500

$20.25
This lot is for 4.5 yards of speckle texture themed fabrics. The larger squares are each one yard cuts and the ones folded as a rectangle are each half a yard. The cloudy rose (in the middle) is from Hoffman's Painted Desert collection, but none of the others have any identifying marks on their salvages. All of the colors are richer than what I see on my monitor.

I am pricing these at $4.50 a yard. All fabrics are new and crisp. Similar fabrics currently sell for around $9 a yard, so this is a great deal!

-------------------------------------------

Helene's Stash

I am listing fabric from a personal stash belonging to Helene Davis, a friend who is in my Fiber Art Group. Helene bought commercial fabric for her quilts for 20 years and ended up with a huge stash, mostly under 1 yard pieces of new, specialty cottons. About 10 years ago, she began dyeing her own fabric and no longer has a use for this amazing collection of wonderful quilt fabrics.

Helene has grown into a mature artist with formidable designs that make the best of her sense of color, composition and quilting.

Afghanistan, Hand-Carved Artisan Heishi Spacer Beads, Emerald Jade

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:24:46 -0500

$10.50
A friend of mine, native to Afghanistan, began working with artisans and refugees there about 15 years ago with a large focus on beads and jewelry. He owns Afghan Tribal Arts and has a huge selection of beads (see my profile for more info). If you see beads on his website you would like me to carry here on Etsy, let me know and I will try to get them for you.
__________

Raw, hand-carved beads.

The beads I am carrying have not been polished and have a matte finish. The beads are porous, they absorb the oils of the skin and develop a rich, deep lustre. If you would like to oil them, you can apply a dab of olive oil with a cloth and wipe the strand.

_________________

Round beads:

This listing is for one strand of emerald jade heishi spacer beads. I scanned the beads with a ruler that shows both inches and centimeters to give you and idea of scale. The color is a rich forest green, transluscent with variations in the color, quite beautiful. Each strand is about 14" long. I counted 14 beads to an inch, so estimated number of beads is 126.

Vintage Sindhi Ralli Quilt 89 , South Asian Textile- Pakistan or India

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:44:24 -0500

$175.00
Dimensions: 73" long x 42" wide
Metric: 185 x 106 centimeters

We American quilters (I'm one of that crowd) tend to think of quilts as our unique tradition. In truth, quilts have been made in Asia and Africa for centuries, a natural extension of using up scraps of valuable fabric or textiles. Ralli quilts have only recently attracted notice to Western collectors. They are made by Sindhi women in Southern Pakistan as well as the surrounding regions on into India. Most are narrow single sized, useful for a cot or wrap. They vary in color and design, reflecting individual taste as well as availability of materials. Most commonly, they are quilted in vertical rows from top to bottom and most have thin layers of old fabric inside, instead of batting.

Ralli quilts are becoming highly collectible and fit well with many types of decor. On a wall, a bed, or draped on a rail, they have the freshness of folk art. I have more information about them on my blog: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Ralli%20Quilt.

Specifics on this piece:
Both front and back were made using cotton, hand dyed fabrics. The back has pieces that were also block printed. Dyes are commercial, but were not steadfast. Over time the fabrics develop a soft look resembling that achieved by veggie dyes.

The quilt appears to be constructed completely by hand. I didn't see any evidence of machine sewing. The top was made with hundreds of tiny pieces, little triangles, painstakingly sewn together. The top is still in very good shape, but the back has worn through in many places. This quilt should only be used as a decorative textile, either on a bed or a wall, but should not be washed often as it will continue to deteriorate. It would accent SouthWestern, Mexican, rustic, Asian and African themed rooms. The quilt was musty and smelly, quite dirty, so I machine washed it and it cleaned up beautifully.

Estimated age: 1950's

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images. The last image is of the back of the quilt.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Mola Blouse Insert 3, Stawberry White- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:44:24 -0500

$21.00
Dimensions: 11.5"x 8.25"
Metric: 29 x 21 cm

Two layers of fabric. This insert is intended to be incorporated into a child's dress or top. This a recent variant on traditional uses of mola. It could also be extended to work into larger garments. I think it would be stunning as part of an apron. See my other listings for traditional sized mola. The last photo shows the back.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). One of the photos shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Indonesia- Hand Batiked Cotton Vintage Java Sarong 8

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:44:24 -0500

$45.00
Dimensions: 41" wide x 86" long
Metric: 104 x 218 cm

Indonesia can probably lay claim to the highest expertise in the art of batik. Batiks are made by stamping or painting on fabric with wax or another resist like soy, potato or rice paste. They have developed a drawing pen, called a canting, which is similar to a pipe with a nib. The pen is dipped into hot wax and the little cup holds the wax for application. I've tried it and made a mess!

This sarong is an example of such a method, combined with stamping. Most Asian and African countries use carved wood stamps, but Indonesians developed a stamp with intricate copper designs embedded in a wood base. This is called a cap. (See my shop for wood stamps from India) Most sarongs now are commercially produced, printed by machine to imitate authentic batiks.

A sarong is a long piece of fabric used as a wrap by both men and women all over Asia. It is versatile and can be used for many other purposes: baby sling, wall hanging, table cloth, and so on.

This sarong is at least 20 years old. I bought it to sell as fabric, but it should not be used in projects that will take a lot of wear. For example, I would not recommend it in clothing or functional quilts. It is fine for wall pieces that will not be washed regularly or other light use functions.

Please visit my shop for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/ has great articles on textiles and fiber art from around the world, including many other Etsy artists.

Afghanistan, 6 Loose Hand-Carved Artisan Round Beads, Classic Jade

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:44:24 -0500

$8.00
A friend of mine, native to Afghanistan, began working with artisans and refugees there about 15 years ago with a large focus on beads and jewelry. He owns Afghan Tribal Arts and has a huge selection of beads (see my profile for more info). If you see beads on his website you would like me to carry here on Etsy, let me know and I will try to get them for you.
__________

Raw, hand-carved beads.

The beads I am carrying have not been polished and have a matte finish. The beads are porous, they absorb the oils of the skin and develop a rich, deep lustre. If you would like to oil them, you can apply a dab of olive oil with a cloth and wipe the strand.

_________________

Round beads:

This listing is for six loose classic jade round beads. I scanned the beads with a ruler that shows both inches and centimeters to give you and idea of scale. I am also including a photo of the square classic jade beads that I am carrying. They are the same color but look chalkier because they have not been oiled. The color is an avocado or cooked pea green. These are also available by the strand.

India or Pakistan- Asian Wood Textile Block or Stamp 163, Flower and Leaf Border

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:02 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 3.75" x 1.25" x 1.25"
Metric: 9.5 x 3.5 x 3 cm

Click on the photos for larger images.

Stamps like this one are used across Asia to decorate fabric with imprinted designs of ink or batik. The stamp is painstakingly carved out of pear wood. I buy them from a friend who primarily imports from Afghanistan, but this one is probably from India or Pakistan.

Stamping arrived in the United States as a craze for hobbyists and stayed on, with increasingly interesting variations in patterns, uses, and sizes. This art has ancient roots all over Asia, Africa and native cultures around the world. In some places, stamping is done with simple natural shapes, in others, like Indonesia, they have become a highly developed art, with intricate metal designs embedded into the wood for batik patterns. This carved wood stamp was used for ink on fabric, but many of our customers have bought them for use on paper and clay as well as for their decorative appeal. Make sure you clean it well before using on paper or fabric. I have several that I keep as art pieces- plate hangers work well to hang them or they can usually stand on their own.

Visit my shop for more ethnic textiles and supplies, as well as things I make.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free if they total over $100. I was doing that for international orders as well, but because the blocks are so heavy, I now cover the first $20 in shipping. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, has a couple of articles on the stamps: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Textile%20Stamps

Mola Textile 45, Fish in Gray Waters- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:02 -0500

$24.00
Dimensions: 15"x 12"
Metric: 38 x 31 cm

Note: This mola has been worn.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. The last photo is of a Kuna Indian blouse, Jesus on the cross, atypical iconography. But, it gives you an idea of what the molas look like in their traditional context.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). The last photo shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Molita 1S, Tropical Fish- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:02 -0500

$9.00
Dimensions: 8" x 7"
Metric: 21 x 17 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a small one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

See my blog, Fiber Focus, for articles on molas: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Molas

Cotton Quilting or Sewing Fabric, Lot 28, Speckles, Texture -2.4 yards, Hoffman

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:01 -0500

$11.00
Stash Selection #28

Left to right:
Grey: 16"
Wine: flecked with pink and black, 15"
Mauve: flecked with light purple and white, 15"
White: flecked with black, 12"
Red: flecked with pink and maroon, 14"
Shades of salmon: flecked with brown and cream, (Hoffman) 15"

This lot is for the above described pieces. 87" or almost 2½ yards total of complimentary speckled texture selections.
All 100% cotton, never used.

----------

Helene's Stash

I am listing fabric from a personal stash belonging to Helene Davis, a friend who is in my Fiber Art Group. Helene bought commercial fabric for her quilts for 20 years and ended up with a huge stash, mostly under 1 yard pieces of new, specialty cottons. About 10 years ago, she began dyeing her own fabric and no longer has a use for this amazing collection of wonderful quilt fabrics.

Helene has grown into a mature artist with formidable designs that make the best of her sense of color, composition and quilting.

Thompson of California, Tiny Cows and Clouds, Pink Cotton Fabric, 44'' x 36'', HF33

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:01 -0500

$12.50
Never used, crisp cotton, no flaws.
Thompson of California, Design #1306
44" wide by 36" long

There is a 1.5" x 2" swatch cut off in one corner. For those who know about Thompson's collections, this is Design #1306.

This fabric comes from a personal stash belonging to Helene Davis, a friend who is in my Fiber Art Group. Helene bought commercial fabric for her quilts for 20 years and ended up with a huge stash, mostly 1 yard pieces of new, specialty cottons. About 10 years ago, she began dyeing her own fabric and no longer has a use for this amazing collection of wonderful quilt fabrics.

Helene has grown into a mature artist with formidable designs that make the best of her sense of color, composition and quilting. I wrote an article about her in my blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/2008/04/paducah-quilt-show-helene-davis-hand.html
The blog focuses on fiber art with articles by guest artists and a special emphasis on multiculturalism.

See my other listings for fabric, textiles and remnants from around the world, as well as things I've made. I combine shipping on multiple items and offer free shipping on purchases over $100 worldwide (with the exception of the textile blocks as they are so heavy).

Benartex, Tiny Grey and Light Pink Checkers, 44'' x 37'', HF43

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:01 -0500

$10.00
Never used, crisp cotton, no flaws.
St. Nicole Designs and Benartex
44" wide by 37" long

This fabric comes from a personal quilting stash belonging to Helene Davis, a friend who is in my Fiber Art Group. Helene bought commercial fabric for her quilts for 20 years and ended up with a huge stash, mostly 1 yard pieces of new, specialty cottons. About 10 years ago, she began dyeing her own fabric and no longer has a use for this amazing collection of wonderful quilt fabrics.

Helene has grown into a mature artist with formidable designs that make the best of her sense of color, composition and quilting. I wrote an article about her in my blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/2008/04/paducah-quilt-show-helene-davis-hand.html
The blog focuses on fiber art with articles by guest artists and a special emphasis on multiculturalism.

See my other listings for fabric, textiles and remnants from around the world, as well as things I've made. I combine shipping on multiple items and offer free shipping on purchases over $100 worldwide (with the exception of the textile blocks as they are so heavy).

Purple and Lime Green Stripes, Cotton Fabric, 44'' x 53'', HF41

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:01 -0500

$14.50
Never used, crisp cotton, no flaws.
44" wide by 53" long

This fabric comes from a personal stash belonging to Helene Davis, a friend who is in my Fiber Art Group. Helene bought commercial fabric for her quilts for 20 years and ended up with a huge stash, mostly 1 yard pieces of new, specialty cottons. About 10 years ago, she began dyeing her own fabric and no longer has a use for this amazing collection of wonderful quilt fabrics.

Helene has grown into a mature artist with formidable designs that make the best of her sense of color, composition and quilting. I wrote an article about her in my blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/2008/04/paducah-quilt-show-helene-davis-hand.html
The blog focuses on fiber art with articles by guest artists and a special emphasis on multiculturalism.

See my other listings for fabric, textiles and remnants from around the world, as well as things I've made. I combine shipping on multiple items and offer free shipping on purchases over $100 worldwide (with the exception of the textile blocks as they are so heavy).

South Sea Imports, Salmon Swirls, 41'' x 32'', HF46

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:43:01 -0500

$7.75
Never used, crisp cotton, no flaws.
South Sea Imports, The Mary Ellen Hopkins Collection, light weight
41" wide by 32" long

This fabric comes from a personal stash belonging to Helene Davis, a friend who is in my Fiber Art Group. Helene bought commercial fabric for her quilts for 20 years and ended up with a huge stash, mostly 1 yard pieces of new, specialty cottons. About 10 years ago, she began dyeing her own fabric and no longer has a use for this amazing collection of wonderful quilt fabrics.

Helene has grown into a mature artist with formidable designs that make the best of her sense of color, composition and quilting. I wrote an article about her in my blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/2008/04/paducah-quilt-show-helene-davis-hand.html
The blog focuses on fiber art with articles by guest artists and a special emphasis on multiculturalism.

See my other listings for fabric, textiles and remnants from around the world, as well as things I've made. I combine shipping on multiple items and offer free shipping on purchases over $100 worldwide (with the exception of the textile blocks as they are so heavy).

Vintage Kashmiri Crewel Embroidered Floral Pillow Cover 17

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:43:05 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions:

18.5" x 18.5"
47 x 47 cm

I bought a bunch of these pillow cases from a dealer. I bought them for the quality of the embroidery, not for the function as a pillow. They smelled moldy and were dirty. I washed and pressed them. They are not well sewn, but are functional. I thought they would be better used as a textile incorporated into a larger piece.

Pillow form is not included. Click on zoom for a larger image.

I am pretty sure they come from Kashmir, India, which is famed for this style embroidery. But, they could be from elsewhere in the region. They used a chain stitch with thick embroidery thread to fill in the design. Kashmir has been fighting for independence for a couple of years and is a difficult area to visit, so the textiles that used to come out of there are much harder to find.

Specifics on this one: The colors are darker than the photos. The close-up is too light. Back has some minor stains. Zipper works. Cotton fabric and thread. This one is in good shape.

Estimated age: Early 1980's

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has great articles on textiles and fiber art. Find Rayela Art on Facebook!

Mola Textile 27, Pine Trees- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:43:04 -0500

$36.00
Dimensions: 18"x 14"
Metric: 46 x 36 cm

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). One of the photos shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Vintage Sindhi Ralli Quilt 58 , South Asian Textile- Pakistan or India

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:43:04 -0500

$171.00
Dimensions: 80" long x 60" wide
Metric: 203.2 x 152.4 centimeters

We American quilters (I'm one of that crowd) tend to think of quilts as our unique tradition. In truth, quilts have been made in Asia and Africa for centuries, a natural extension of using up scraps of valuable fabric or textiles. Ralli quilts have only recently attracted notice to Western collectors. They are made by Sindhi women in Southern Pakistan as well as the surrounding regions on into India. Most are narrow single sized, useful for a cot or wrap. They vary in color and design, reflecting individual taste as well as availability of materials. Most commonly, they are quilted in vertical rows from top to bottom and most have thin layers of old fabric inside, instead of batting.

Ralli quilts are becoming highly collectible and fit well with many types of decor. On a wall, a bed, or draped on a rail, they have the freshness of folk art. I have more information about them on my blog: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Ralli%20Quilt.

Specifics on this piece:
Both front and back were made using synthetic fabrics. They are smooth and cool to the touch. The quilt is in very good shape although there are a few tiny spots of wear and some loose threads. The quilt appears to be constructed completely by hand. I didn't see any evidence of machine sewing.

Bright and cheery, this piece would accent SouthWestern, Mexican, rustic, and African themed rooms. Would look great in a child's room, too! The quilt is sturdy enough to serve as a functional piece. The quilt was musty and smelly, quite dirty, so I machine washed it and it cleaned up beautifully.

Estimated age: 1970's

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images. The last image is of the back of the quilt.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Mola Textile 37, Psychedelic Anchor- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:43:04 -0500

$36.00
Dimensions: 17"x 12.5"
Metric: 43.5 x 32 cm

Note: This mola has been worn.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. The last photo is of a Kuna Indian blouse, Jesus on the cross, atypical iconography. But, it gives you an idea of what the molas look like in their traditional context.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). The last photo shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Afghanistan, Hand-Carved Artisan Square Bead Strand, Emerald Jade

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:42:27 -0500

$25.00
Most of us have seen footage on the war in Afghanistan, on the poverty, the desolate countryside, bombed-out housing, women in burkas and other images that evoke a possible shudder. But, this war-torn country also has a rich history in hand-made crafts (metalwork, woodwork, clay, carpets, weaving, embroidery and jewelry making.) It is a country rich in minerals and jewelry makers have used its stones and metals for centuries to produce gorgeous pieces of adornment.

A friend of mine, native to Afghanistan, began working with artisans and refugees there about 15 years ago with a large focus on beads and jewelry. I would like to support this direly needed source of income for bead makers there by offering some of their beads here on Etsy. I can purchase a wider selection as this initial selection pays for itself. You can visit his site at afghantribalarts.com for more photos of his beads, but at this time, I warn you that the site needs work and updating....
______________________________________

Raw, hand-carved beads.

The beads I am carrying have not been polished and have a matte finish. Slight chipping and dusting occur during transportation, but disappear when the beads are oiled or worn. As the beads are porous, they absorb the oils of the skin and develop a rich, deep lustre. If you would like to oil them, you can apply a dab of olive oil with a cloth and wipe the strand.

_________________

Square beads.

I am carrying 5 different kinds of square beads: Serpentine, Classic Jade, Emerald Jade, Blonde Onyx and Lapis Lazuli. The first three are different shades of green (very pale green, an avocado green, and a deep forest green) while the blonde onyx is a dark tan. These four are all the same price, while the lapis lazuli is more expensive. I am also offering assortments of 10 square beads for those who would like to try a few rather than buying a whole strand.

The last photo shows all the square beads together and helps give an idea of the color differnces, although all monitors show colors differently. The strands are all finished as necklaces and could be worn as is, but they are really intended as a supply item for jewelry makers.

___

This listing is for a strand of emerald jade square beads. There are an average of 44 beads in each strand. They are separated by stone spacers, carved out of classic jade. The strand averages 17" in length. Each strand is slightly different and there are slight imperfections in an occasional bead. The selection I have has a significant variance in size and you can try requesting the larger or smaller size (see photo). It all depends on whether I still have them when you want them. I will keep these stocked, but I never know if I can get the same sizes. You can state: "The biggest possible" or "The smallest possible"... I scanned the beads with a ruler that shows both inches and centimeters to give you and idea of scale.

Vintage Afghani Wool Hand-Knotted Prayer Rug- Herat

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:42:27 -0500

$75.00
Dimensions:
41" x 21"

There are small rugs and then there are prayer rugs. A small rug can be used a prayer rug, but a prayer rug is not meant to be used as a regular small rug, only for prayer. They often have a window or a city scape that is pointed in the direction of Mecca during Muslim prayer.

This small prayer rug is from Herat, Afghanistan. It is hand-knotted and shows some distressed areas and wear all around the border, but is still in good shape. I circled one of the distressed areas in one of the photos. Use the zoom feature for a larger image.

Prayer rugs often make nice wall textiles. Use it in an area where there is not a lot of traffic. This is a dark piece with subtle designs. The warp and knots are all wool, hand-knotted.

Estimated age: 1950's

Note on shipping: As this is a heavy item, I weighed it and looked up the furthest zone from my address and am quoting priority mail in the US for the price. I will refund the difference when I print your label if you are in a closer zone. International buyers, contact me and I will figure out your shipping cost. It is just too hard to try to figure out each countries rates with such a heavy piece.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Crocheted Afghan Blanket Throw, Variegated Yellow and Green

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:42:26 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 45" x 72"

I found this wonderful afghan at a Chicago thrift store. I machine washed and dried it. Would make a nice baby blanket. I believe it is acrylic yarn.

I don't see any flaws in it except that it does have some of those little balls wooly items get after awhile. The photos were taken after I washed it. Colors are a variegated white, pale yellow, lime green, and various shades of oranges and yellows..

See my store for wonderful ethnic textiles, remnants, and supplies as well as the things I've made.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases and you get free shipping if you buy $100 or more. All purchases on Etsy are in US$. See my store greeting and profile for more info.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Small 1

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:42:26 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 4.5" x 4"
11.5 x 10.5 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric make the piece thick and sturdy.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Medium 20

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:42:26 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 5" x 4.25"
14.25 x 11 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric make the piece thick and sturdy.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Sindhi Ralli Quilt 8B , South Asian Textile- Pakistan or India

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:41:48 -0500

$115.00
Dimensions: 75" long x 53" wide
Metric: 192 x 135 cm

We American quilters (I'm one of that crowd) tend to think of quilts as our unique tradition. In truth, quilts have been made in Asia and Africa for centuries, a natural extension of using up scraps of valuable fabric or textiles. Ralli quilts have only recently attracted notice to Western collectors. They are made by Sindhi women in Southern Pakistan as well as the surrounding regions. Most are narrow single sized, useful for a cot or wrap. They vary in color and design, reflecting individual taste as well as availability of materials. Most commonly, they are quilted in vertical rows from top to bottom and most have a thin layer of old fabric inside, instead of batting.

Ralli quilts are becoming highly collectible and fit well with many types of decor. On a wall, a bed, or draped on a rail, they have the freshness of folk art. There is a beautiful website dedicated to ralli quilts with much more information on their history: http://www.ralliquilt.com/history.html

Specifics on this piece:
The brown center and much of the quilt is made of silk. I love the contrast of the brown with pink and the back is especially beautiful. Some pieces look like they may be cotton. There are spots that have worn through, with one rather large area that has a crude repair job. The quilt is constructed completely by hand with visible stitches in many of the seams. The cut work appliqué on the top are yellow and a deep teal, mixed fabrics. The quilt was musty and smelly, quite dirty, so I machine washed it and it cleaned up beautifully. It feels soft and silky to the touch.

Etsy only gives us space for 5 photos and I have 8 photos total of this piece, more close-ups of the back. Convo me if you would like to see them.

Estimated age: 1980's

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Shipping is free internationally on this piece.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Molita Med 3, Smiling Toucan- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:41:48 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 12.5"x 9"
Metric: 32 x 23 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a medium one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Molita 6M, Red Macaw- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:41:48 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 11" x 8.75"
Metric: 28 x 22 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a medium one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

See my blog, Fiber Focus, for articles on molas: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Molas

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 63- Large with Shisha Mirrors

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:41:48 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 6" x 5.5"
15 x 14 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 64- Shisha Mirrors

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:41:48 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4"
14 x 10 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Asian Wood Textile Block or Stamp 558, Large Border

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:41:48 -0500

$17.50
Dimensions: 7" x 5.75" x 1.25"
Metric: 17 x 15 x 3 cm

Click on the photos for larger images.

Borders are great to surround smaller stamps or even photo transfers!

Stamps like this one are used across Asia to decorate fabric with imprinted designs of ink or batik. The stamp is painstakingly carved out of wood. I buy them from a friend who primarily imports from Afghanistan.

Stamping arrived in the United States as a craze for hobbyists and stayed on, with increasingly interesting variations in patterns, uses, and sizes. This art has ancient roots all over Asia, Africa and native cultures around the world. In some places, stamping is done with simple natural shapes, in others, like Indonesia, they have become a highly developed art, with intricate metal designs embedded into the wood for batik patterns. This carved wood stamp was used for ink on fabric, but many of our customers have bought them for use on paper and clay as well as for their decorative appeal. Make sure you clean it well before using on paper or fabric. I have several that I keep as art pieces- plate hangers work well to hang them or they can usually stand on their own.

Visit my shop for more ethnic textiles and supplies, as well as things I make.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free if they total over $100. I was doing that for international orders as well, but because the blocks are so heavy, I now cover the first $20 in shipping. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, has several articles on the stamps: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Textile%20Stamps

Afghanistan, Hand-Carved Artisan Round Bead Strand, Classic Jade

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:25:53 -0500

$37.50
A friend of mine, native to Afghanistan, began working with artisans and refugees there about 15 years ago with a large focus on beads and jewelry. He owns Afghan Tribal Arts and has a huge selection of beads (see my profile for more info). If you see beads on his website you would like me to carry here on Etsy, let me know and I will try to get them for you.
__________

Raw, hand-carved beads.

The beads I am carrying have not been polished and have a matte finish. The beads are porous, they absorb the oils of the skin and develop a rich, deep lustre. If you would like to oil them, you can apply a dab of olive oil with a cloth and wipe the strand.

_________________

Round beads:

This listing is for a strand of classic jade round beads. There are an average of 34 beads in each strand. The strand averages 16" in length. Each strand is slightly different and there are slight imperfections in an occasional bead. I scanned the beads with a ruler that shows both inches and centimeters to give you and idea of scale. I am also including a photo of the square classic jade beads that I am carrying. They are the same color but look chalkier because they have not been oiled. The color is an avocado or cooked pea green. I am also offering a smaller selection of 6 round beads for those who would like to try a smaller quantity.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Small 25

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:25:53 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 4.75" x 4.755"
12 x 12 cm

Description: Embroidered metal threads and shisha mirrors surrounded by clustered glass seed beads. Several layers of fabric make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Medium 2

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:25:52 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 5" x 5"
12 x 12 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This piece is damaged (loose trim for about one inch) and the price has been discounted.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Sindhi Ralli Quilt 53 , South Asian Textile- Pakistan or India

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:25:19 -0500

$90.00
Dimensions: 85" long x 52.5" wide
Metric: 217 x 134 cm

We American quilters (I'm one of that crowd) tend to think of quilts as our unique tradition. In truth, quilts have been made in Asia and Africa for centuries, a natural extension of using up scraps of valuable fabric or textiles. Ralli quilts have only recently attracted notice to Western collectors. They are made by Sindhi women in Southern Pakistan as well as the surrounding regions on into India. Most are narrow single sized, useful for a cot or wrap. They vary in color and design, reflecting individual taste as well as availability of materials. Most commonly, they are quilted in vertical rows from top to bottom and most have a thin layer of old fabric inside, instead of batting.

Ralli quilts are becoming highly collectible and fit well with many types of decor. On a wall, a bed, or draped on a rail, they have the freshness of folk art. I have more information about them on my blog: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Ralli%20Quilt.

Specifics on this piece:
Top fabric is cotton- both front and back appear to be handwoven cottons. The quilt appears to be constructed completely by hand. I didn't see any evidence of machine sewing. This is a really big one but it does need some TLC (tender, loving, care). There are appliqued pieces that are loose on the front and the back has quite a few holes that open up to the batting. It could be hung, as is, but would recommend some restoration here. The back uses fabric that was hand block printed. The quilt was musty and smelly, quite dirty, so I machine washed it and it cleaned up beautifully.

Estimated age: 1950's

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 67- Red Amulet

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:25:19 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 5.75" x 5"
14.5 x 12.5 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Asian Wood Textile Block or Stamp 112, Persian Design

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:25:19 -0500

$7.50
Dimensions: 4.25" x 3" x 1.25"
Metric: 11 x 7.5 x 3 cm

Click on the photos for larger images.

Stamps like this one are used across Asia to decorate fabric with imprinted designs of ink or batik. The stamp is painstakingly carved out of wood. I buy them from a friend who primarily imports from Afghanistan.

Stamping arrived in the United States as a craze for hobbyists and stayed on, with increasingly interesting variations in patterns, uses, and sizes. This art has ancient roots all over Asia, Africa and native cultures around the world. In some places, stamping is done with simple natural shapes, in others, like Indonesia, they have become a highly developed art, with intricate metal designs embedded into the wood for batik patterns. This carved wood stamp was used for ink on fabric, but many of our customers have bought them for use on paper and clay as well as for their decorative appeal. Make sure you clean it well before using on paper or fabric. I have several that I keep as art pieces- plate hangers work well to hang them or they can usually stand on their own.

Visit my shop for more ethnic textiles and supplies, as well as things I make.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free if they total over $100. I was doing that for international orders as well, but because the blocks are so heavy, I now cover the first $20 in shipping. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, has several articles on the stamps: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Textile%20Stamps

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 60, Large with Shisha Mirrors

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:25:19 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4"
13 x 5 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Miao Ethnic Minority Embroidered Floral Silk Patch 6

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:59:08 -0500

$15.00
6" x 6"
metric: 15 x 15 cm

This patch is salvaged from an article of clothing used by the Miao people of China. The Miao are the largest ethnic minority in China and are well known for their beautifully worked textiles and colors.

This patch would be a wonderful accessory or finishing point on a bag, hat, jacket, or other textile. It has a heavy weight and is quite stiff, much like modern commercial patches. The red satin fabric is sewn over a thick dark canvas and the embroidery stitches go through both layers of fabric. There are some stains on this one. The last photo shows the back.

Make sure you click on each image to see the full piece as they are cropped in the thumbnails. Use the zoom option for larger images.

Estimated age: 1980's

I have a wonderful little book on Chinese folk art that gives some background on both the Miao people and their crafts. The following are excerpts from "Arts & Crafts of China" by Scott Minick and Jiao Ping, published by Thames and Hudson in 1996.

"The textile arts, particularly those of weaving, dyeing and embroidery, play a principal role in the folk arts and crafts of China. The sewing and decoration of clothing not only serves to protect the people from the extremes of the environment, but also assumes important ceremonial and symbolic functions throughout the year. Through colour, form, pattern, weave and stitch, each piece of clothing is imbued with unique characteristics that distinguish and identify the ethnic origin, social stature or religious beliefs of the wearer. Emphasis on familial and ethnic continuity is especially strong in Chinese tradition, and expressive dress, particularly during festival periods, remains one of the predominant means of retaining and honouring the customs of many generations."

...

"The Miao, for example, who constitute one of China's largest minorities, refer to themselves as 'Hmong', which literally translated means 'cotton clothes' people. This choice of name is indicative of the enormous importance cotton cloth held for the Miao over many centuries. Forced in ancient times to abandon their villages and flee, the Miao decorated their clothing with representations of principal fauna and flora of their homelands."
...
... "This demand for exceptional embroidery provided many opportunities for girls from poor families to supplement their family income, a practice which continues to this day. However, this was certainly not the sole source for finely embroidered goods. Before the advent of factory-made cloth even the daughters of wealthy families were taught the arts of weaving, dyeing and embroidery as a way of increasing the young woman's dowry. Known as 'boudoir embroidery', such pieces consisted primarily of quilt covers, pillowcases and other articles to be used in establishing a new household. The quality of a young woman's work, regardless of her origins, was never treated lightly and would have a direct affect on her future. For hundreds of years Chinese women were chosen for marriage based on the sophistication and mastery of their embroidery skills rather than their beauty, for it was thought that only through the complexities of a woman's stitchery could one catch a glimpse of her true inner nature."
...
"Imperial appreciation for elaborate couture embroidery may be traced to the ancient "Book of Documents", in which the Emperor Shun requests of his young successor Yu: "I wish to see the signs of the ancients, the sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, and the flowery fowl, together with temple vessels, aquatic grasses, fire, rice, and other embroidered decorations, emblazoned on your garments in all the five colours."

"His suggested use of the 'five colours' is a reference to an elemental order of natural forces thought to govern the world. Yellow represents the earth; azure symbolizes wood; white suggests metal; red represents fire; and black corresponds to water. These forces work together in a continuous cycle presiding over periods of creation and destruction, rebirth and decay. In this elemental hierarchy wood reigns over earth; metal prevails over wood; fire triumphs over metal; water douses fire; and earth covers water. Thus the five colours, when used together in embroidery, are referred to as the 'threads of life' and serve to protect the wearer from malicious forces."

Visit my store for wonderful textiles from around the world and for things I make. My blog, Fiber Focus, has articles on textiles and stories by guest artists.

Afghanistan- Asian Wood Textile Block or Stamp 296, Tribal Border

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:59:08 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 5.25" x 2.25" x 1.25"
Metric: 13.5 x 6 x 3 cm

Click on the photos for larger images.

Stamps like this one are used across Asia to decorate fabric with imprinted designs of ink or batik. The stamp is painstakingly carved out of wood. I buy them from a friend who primarily imports from Afghanistan.

Stamping arrived in the United States as a craze for hobbyists and stayed on, with increasingly interesting variations in patterns, uses, and sizes. This art has ancient roots all over Asia, Africa and native cultures around the world. In some places, stamping is done with simple natural shapes, in others, like Indonesia, they have become a highly developed art, with intricate metal designs embedded into the wood for batik patterns. This carved wood stamp was used for ink on fabric, but many of our customers have bought them for use on paper and clay as well as for their decorative appeal. Make sure you clean it well before using on paper or fabric. I have several that I keep as art pieces- plate hangers work well to hang them or they can usually stand on their own.

Visit my shop for more ethnic textiles and supplies, as well as things I make.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free if they total over $100. I was doing that for international orders as well, but because the blocks are so heavy, I now cover the first $20 in shipping. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, has several on the stamps: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Textile%20Stamps

Mola Textile 42, Love Bird on a Donkey- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:59:08 -0500

$36.00
Dimensions: 16.5"x 13"
Metric: 42 x 32 cm

Note: This mola has been worn.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. The background fabric is a textured polyester. The rest is cotton.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). The last photo shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Vintage Central Asian Embroidered Textile, Uzbek Suzani Tapestry 13

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:59:08 -0500

$125.00
Dimensions: 74 long x 58" wide

Suzani textiles go all out for impact in color, size and their recognizable floral flair. Appropriately, the word suzani means needle, but is used to refer to the larger tapestries.

Throughout history, nomadic women and girls of Uzbekistan embroidered these large tapestries to adorn their yurts and tents. They were dowry pieces as well as a way of adding a personal stamp to ones living space. Large pieces were often worked on by several people at once, each on a strip that would later be joined together. Sometimes the strips wouldn't match up or someone would go nuts on their own colors of choice. I remember when I first saw these textiles over 20 years ago- I fell in love with the organic fluidity of the motifs, the imperfections, and the wild color choices. It was my introduction to the silk road and I have been hooked since.

Suzanis have always been a source of good income for women, too. Village women wanted them for their homes and to this day, embroidery continues to be a vital source of income for Uzbeki women. Older suzanis are highly collectible. They often use silk threads with tight embroidery, but are becoming harder and harder to find. This piece is newer, estimated at late 1970's or early 1980's.

Specifics on this piece:
I love the contrast of rich greens against this deep burgundy. The background has a slight sheen to it, but feels like a thick, soft cotton. Embroidery threads appear to be a thick silk. If you look closely, you can see pen marks around the designs, some which have not been filled in. Yellow tassels finish the bottom.

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Shipping is free internationally on this piece.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

No Charge to Soldiers- One World Series, Decoupage Reverse Painting on Glass

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:59:08 -0500

$30.00
I made this!!!

Dimensions: 9.5" x 11.5
Metric: 29.5 x 24.5 cm

ONE WORLD

This is part of a series I did in thinking about the world. I cut out a bunch of images from different time periods and places and then matched them up in ways that seemed interesting to me. I am a big, white Christian Viking and my husband is a Muslim soccer fanatic chef from Morocco (not as big). Somehow we make it work and my hope is that we can look back in time, look across the seas and know that we are all one world and better figure out how to get along if we want to look into the future.

This piece:

No Charge to Soldiers

A girl dances in the 1920's. The sign says: "No Charge to Soldiers for Sandwiches, Coffee, Cookies, Ice Water & Milk -Writing Paper- Your Letters Stamped & Mailed" (Red Cross notice)

But, it seems that the cost is charged in other ways...

Glass baubles decorate the cheap dollar store frame.
_____________________________
How I got started on these:

A friend of mine gave me a couple of John Derian (google his site- it's worth it!) decoupaged plates to sell on eBay and I was shocked at the price they brought. I kept thinking.... hmmmm... I can do that... and I had a bunch of glass a friend had given me, lots of wallpaper sample books I wanted to use.... so I gave it a try.

HA!

No wonder they brought in a good price. It's not as easy as it looks. The basic technique is to cut out images that strike your fancy, paint a bunch of modge podge on the face of the image, and glue it on to the back of the glass. The problem is getting the bubbles out. You really have to work it.

I then incorporated another technique that I had learned in Brazil, reverse painting on glass. Draw your image in India ink on the glass (another not-so-easy-process as the glass is slippery), then paint on some color or modge podge more paper. The whole process is done in reverse- whatever you want to pop out has to be done first then you work backwards until the whole surface is covered. It's a big mess and great fun and I know I can't get the John Derian prices, but I think I came up with some interesting pieces. Enjoy!
____________________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. I have no idea how much this would cost, once packed to ship overseas as each country is different, so if you are not in the US and would like to know the shipping on this, ask me and I'll figure it out and change the shipping info for you.
All sales on Etsy are in USD.

I am quoting $9 for a flat rate USPS priority mail box. If it is less, I will refund you the difference when I print your label.

Vintage Central Asian Embroidered Textile, Uzbek Suzani Tapestry 12

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:59:08 -0500

$120.00
Dimensions: 66" long x 74" wide

Suzani textiles go all out for impact in color, size and their recognizable floral flair. Appropriately, the word suzani means needle, but is used to refer to the larger tapestries.

Throughout history, nomadic women and girls of Uzbekistan embroidered these large tapestries to adorn their yurts and tents. They were dowry pieces as well as a way of adding a personal stamp to ones living space. Large pieces were often worked on by several people at once, each on a strip that would later be joined together. Sometimes the strips wouldn't match up or someone would go nuts on their own colors of choice. I remember when I first saw these textiles over 20 years ago- I fell in love with the organic fluidity of the motifs, the imperfections, and the wild color choices. It was my introduction to the silk road and I have been hooked since.

Suzanis have always been a source of good income for women, too. Village women wanted them for their homes and to this day, embroidery continues to be a vital source of income for Uzbeki women. Older suzanis are highly collectible. They often use silk threads with tight embroidery, but are becoming harder and harder to find. This piece is newer, estimated at late 1970's or early 1980's.

Specifics on this piece:
A deep dusty rose satin, almost burgundy, backs the bold embroidery. Flowers are the theme here. The thread feels like a thick silk. There are tabs at the top for hanging. This piece would look great on a wall behind a couch! Golden tassels adorn the bottom.

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Shipping is free internationally on this piece.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Large 7

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:58:32 -0500

$20.00
Dimensions: 7" x 7"
18 x 18 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric and a piece of plastic make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Extra Large 14

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:58:32 -0500

$20.00
Dimensions: 10" x 8"
25 x 20 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan, Hand-Carved Artisan Square Bead Sample Selection, 12 Beads- Jade, Serpentine or Onyx

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:58:02 -0500

$10.00
Photo of the multi-strands show the blonde onyx first, then the emerald jade, classic jade, and serpentine. The last one, lapis lazuli is not offered in this selection. It has a separate listing.

A friend of mine, native to Afghanistan, began working with artisans and refugees there about 15 years ago with a large focus on beads and jewelry. He owns Afghan Tribal Arts and has a huge selection of beads (see my profile for more info). If you see beads on his website you would like me to carry here on Etsy, let me know and I will try to get them for you.

______________________________________

Raw, hand-carved beads.

The beads I am carrying have not been polished and have a matte finish. Slight chipping and dusting occur during transportation, but disappear when the beads are oiled or worn. As the beads are porous, they absorb the oils of the skin and develop a rich, deep lustre. If you would like to oil them, you can apply a dab of olive oil with a cloth and wipe the strand.

_________________

Square beads.

I am carrying 5 different kinds of square beads: Serpentine, Classic Jade, Emerald Jade, Blonde Onyx and Lapis Lazuli. The first three are different shades of green (very pale green, an avocado green, and a deep forest green) while the blonde onyx is a dark tan. These four are all the same price, while the lapis lazuli is more expensive.

This listing is for 10 beads of your choice of the jade, serpentine, or onyx. You can pick how many you want of each. I thought this would be a good way for people to see the colors and shapes of each type without having to invest in a full strand. Most of the strands have beads with slight nicks, but for the single beads, I will pick the best quality ones. There is a considerable variation in size from strand to strand, especially with the jade ones so you can specify "biggest possible" or "smallest possible".

Visit the item description for each type of bead for more photos.

I prefer to ship using flat rate envelopes, but if you would like this sampling in a first class envelope, shipping can be reduced to $2 in the US.

Rayela Art- Black Glass Bead Necklace or Choker with Large Stone

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:58:02 -0500

$24.00
Here is one of my necklaces! I used high quality Czech glass beads, mostly black and some silver in matte and some with a high sheen (nice contrast). The big stone in the middle is a good, expensive one, but I forgot its name. (aaargh!)There is a large silver bead on either side that is handmade silver from Ethiopia. It is strung on tiger tail and has a silver plated clasp.

This necklace would accent a simple black dress beautifully!

15" long.

Molita 7M, Hummingbird and Flower- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:57:24 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 9.5" x 8.5"
Metric: 24 x 22 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a medium one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

See my blog, Fiber Focus, for articles on molas: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Molas

Guatemala- 3 Long Hand Woven Cotton Strap, Sash or Belt Lot, Asstd Colors

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:57:24 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 46" x 1" (each one, excluding braid)
Metric: 1 meter 16 x 2.5 cm

Guatemala is famed for its expert weaving. This listing gives you three gorgeous cotton straps, each a different color, but basically in the same design and weaving style. These are intended to be used as belts, but are also ideal as purse straps, trim, hat bands, guitar and camera sashess- I'm sure you will come up with many more uses!

The cotton threads are thick, stiff and sturdy. The pattern is the same on the back side. Colors are vibrant and fast.

Machine wash and dry on gentle.

Visit my shop for more ethnic textiles and supplies, as well as things I make.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free if they total over $100. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 49- Shisha Mirrors with Old Coins

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:57:23 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 4" x 4.75"
10.75 x 12 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Large 8

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:23:13 -0500

$20.00
Dimensions: 8" x 8"
20 x 20 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Kuchi Beaded Textile Patch, Medium 5

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:23:13 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 6.25" x 5.5"
16 x 14 cm

Description: Woven glass seed beads attached to a cloth background, surrounded by trim and clustered beads. Several layers of fabric make the piece stiff and sturdy.

This piece is damaged on one side and has been discounted.

This small textile is a Kuchi beaded patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. Bellydancers love to use them in their dance costumes. Kuchi women tend to wear flowing colorful dresses with pants underneath. They love bright florals that were often imported from China and Russia. They use the beadwork on their clothes, hats, animals and personal objects. This piece was most likely removed from a worn dress.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

A little background from Wikipedia:

Kuchis (from the Persian word Koch meaning "migration"), are Pashtun nomads, primarily from the Ghilzai, Kakar, Lodi, Ahmadzai as well as some Durrani tribes, but occasionally there may also be some Baloch people among them.

There are three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60% remaining fully nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced due to natural disasters such as flood and drought in the past few years.[1]

The nomads and semi-nomads, generally called Kuchi in Afghanistan, mostly keep sheep and goats. The produce of the animals (meat, dairy products, hair and wool) is exchanged or sold in order to purchase grain, vegetables, fruit and other products of settled life. In this way an extensive network of exchange has developed along the main routes annually followed by the nomads. The merchant Powindah (Ghalji) [or Ghalzai] Pashtuns used to move annually from the Afghanistan mountains to the valley of the Indus and hence deep into India. These long-distance migrations were stopped in the early 1960s when the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed. In recent decades, migrations inside Afghanistan continue, although trucks are now often being used to livestock and family from one place to another.

The Kuchis have been identified by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as one of the largest vulnerable populations in the country. As Afghanistan's population grows, competing claims over summer pastures, both for rainfed cultivation and for grazing of the settled communities' livestock, have created conflict over land across central and northern Afghanistan. Paying head-count fees for each animal crossing someone else's property is exacting a harsh economic toll on the Kuchi way of life, one that is already having to contend with recurrent droughts that are now occurring with increasing frequency.

My blog, www.fiberfocus.blogspot.com has many articles on Afghanistan and the region.
_________________

Please visit my store here on Etsy for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures.

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 65- Shisha Mirrors with Old Coins

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:22:23 -0500

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 44- Square Shisha Mirrors

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:22:23 -0500

$7.50
Dimensions: 4.75" x 3.75"
12 x 9 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Turkmen Robe 2, Central Asian Textile, Small

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:22:23 -0500

$120.00
Dimensions:

Across shoulders: 19"
Across back at armpits: 22.5"
Length: 36"
Length of sleeves: 18.5"

Specifics on this piece:

Shows some wear, but is in very good shape overall. The garment's strength is its beautiful embroidery. The lining is floral cotton commonly imported from Russia or China in the 50's. Smells musty and needs a good cleaning. The piece is wearable and after a good cleaning and some minor repairs will draw attention at any gathering.

The Turkmen people have been traditionally nomadic, inhabiting Turkmenistan and parts of Afghanistan and Iran. They have a centuries old history of oral traditions and are known for their carpets, embroidery and passion for horses. The Turkmen of Iran and Afghanistan remain semi-nomadic and are more conservative than their counterparts in Turkmenistan due to year of communist rule under the Soviet Union.

Robes like this one are called a "chavit". I have also seen them referred to as a "chapan". The burgundy red with yellow stripes is a favored color palette, but the robes also come in many other colors. From what I have read, it is unlikely that they wove their own fabric, purchasing it instead in town. They did, however, do the embroidery and women achieved recognition among their peers for their ability. This piece is estimated to be at least 30 years old. The fabric is thick and sturdy and is likely to be a cotton/silk blend.

The robe can be worn, but many collectors and designers use these garments as decorative pieces, hanging them on a dowel or on a wire mannequin.

Shipping is free worldwide on this item.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Asian Wood Textile Block or Stamp 757, Large Border

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:22:23 -0500

$17.50
Dimensions: 5.25" x 6.25" x 1.25"
Metric: 13.5 x 16 x 3 cm

Click on the photos for larger images.

Borders are great to surround smaller stamps or even photo transfers!

Stamps like this one are used across Asia to decorate fabric with imprinted designs of ink or batik. The stamp is painstakingly carved out of wood. I buy them from a friend who primarily imports from Afghanistan.

Stamping arrived in the United States as a craze for hobbyists and stayed on, with increasingly interesting variations in patterns, uses, and sizes. This art has ancient roots all over Asia, Africa and native cultures around the world. In some places, stamping is done with simple natural shapes, in others, like Indonesia, they have become a highly developed art, with intricate metal designs embedded into the wood for batik patterns. This carved wood stamp was used for ink on fabric, but many of our customers have bought them for use on paper and clay as well as for their decorative appeal. Make sure you clean it well before using on paper or fabric. I have several that I keep as art pieces- plate hangers work well to hang them or they can usually stand on their own.

Visit my shop for more ethnic textiles and supplies, as well as things I make.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free if they total over $100. I was doing that for international orders as well, but because the blocks are so heavy, I now cover the first $20 in shipping. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, has several articles on the stamps: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Textile%20Stamps

Afghanistan, Hand-Carved Artisan Square Bead Strand, Classic Jade

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:22:22 -0500

$25.00
Most of us have seen footage on the war in Afghanistan, on the poverty, the desolate countryside, bombed-out housing, women in burkas and other images that evoke a possible shudder. But, this war-torn country also has a rich history in hand-made crafts (metalwork, woodwork, clay, carpets, weaving, embroidery and jewelry making.) It is a country rich in minerals and jewelry makers have used its stones and metals for centuries to produce gorgeous pieces of adornment.

A friend of mine, native to Afghanistan, began working with artisans and refugees there about 15 years ago with a large focus on beads and jewelry. I would like to support this direly needed source of income for bead makers there by offering some of their beads here on Etsy. I can purchase a wider selection as this initial selection pays for itself. You can visit his site at afghantribalarts.com for more photos of his beads, but at this time, I warn you that the site needs work and updating....
______________________________________

Raw, hand-carved beads.

The beads I am carrying have not been polished and have a matte finish. Slight chipping and dusting occur during transportation, but disappear when the beads are oiled or worn. As the beads are porous, they absorb the oils of the skin and develop a rich, deep lustre. If you would like to oil them, you can apply a dab of olive oil with a cloth and wipe the strand.

_________________

Square beads.

I am carrying 5 different kinds of square beads: Serpentine, Classic Jade, Emerald Jade, Blonde Onyx and Lapis Lazuli. The first three are different shades of green (very pale green, an avocado green, and a deep forest green) while the blonde onyx is a dark tan. These four are all the same price, while the lapis lazuli is more expensive. I am also offering assortments of 10 square beads for those who would like to try a few rather than buying a whole strand.

The last photo shows all the square beads together and helps give an idea of the color differnces, although all monitors show colors differently.

___

This listing is for a strand of classic jade square beads. There are an average of 44 beads in each strand. They are separated by stone spacers, also carved out of classic jade. The strand averages 17" in length. Each strand is slightly different and there are slight imperfections in an occasional bead. I scanned the beads with a ruler that shows both inches and centimeters to give you and idea of scale. I am also including a photo of the round classic jade beads I am carrying as they have been oiled and show the color better.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 46- Red Shisha Amulet

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:40:00 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 5" x 4.75"
12.5 x 12 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 55- Soft Pink

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:40:00 -0500

$10.00
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4"
13.5 x 10 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Afghanistan- Handwoven Vintage Central Asian Kilim Rug 31

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:39:59 -0500

$48.00
Dimensions:
38" x 35"
Metric: 97 x 89 centimeters

Afghani craftsmanship at its finest! Veggie dyed, this kilim is salvaged from a larger piece that was probably worn out. The kilim is handwoven, 100% wool. It is flat and on the light side, making it a nice wall textile as well as its intended use an area rug.

Estimated age: 1980's

Use the zoom option for larger images.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, might also interest you: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/ Lots of articles on rugs, ethnic textiles, fair trade and invited guest artists.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 58- Shisha Mirrors

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:39:59 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 5.5" x 5"
14 x 12.5 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Batik Rayon Fabric- Indonesian Bali Sarong, 6

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:39:20 -0500

$15.00
Average Dimensions:
45" x 65"
115 x 165 cm

This rayon sarong is from Bali, Indonesia, one of the batik centers of the world. Batik is a process where wax or starch is applied with a stamp or brush, then dyed, often in several steps. Dyes seep into cracks in the wax, creating a veiny effect.

The sarong can be used as is or converted easily into a top or finished skirt. The fabric can also be used in another sewing project. I once made a quilt out of rayon fabric. It felt silky and draped beautifully! (I used flannel as batting.) You might find small brown specks on the batik. This is not dirt, just remnants from the wax.

The sarong also has potential for many other decorative uses: curtain, textile, table cloth, baby sling. Use your Etsy imagination!

Use the zoom option for larger images. Machine wash and dry on gentle.

Visit my shop to see other gorgeous textiles and supplies with an ethnic theme, as well as the things I make. I also sell textile stamps for those who wish to make their own batiks. And, I sometimes have the textile rods pictured in the photo listed as well.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free on those over $100.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Vintage Crocheted Afghan Blanket Throw, Soft Orange

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:39:20 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 44" x 38"

I found this wonderful afghan at a Chicago thrift store. I machine washed and dried it. It is soft and feels like wool, or a wool blend. The body actually looks like wool and the borders like acrylic.

I don't see any flaws in it. The photos were taken after I washed it. Colors are a soft orange with borders in mixed purples and dusty rose. The size would lend itself well as a baby blanket.

See my store for wonderful ethnic textiles, remnants, and supplies as well as the things I've made.

I combine shipping on multiple purchases and you get free shipping if you buy $100 or more. All purchases on Etsy are in US$. See my store greeting and profile for more info.

Indonesia- Hand Batiked Cotton Vintage Java Sarong 6

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:39:01 -0500

$45.00
Dimensions: 41" wide x 93" long
Metric: 104 x 236 cm

Indonesia can probably lay claim to the highest expertise in the art of batik. Batiks are made by stamping or painting on fabric with wax or another resist like soy, potato or rice paste. They have developed a drawing pen, called a canting, which is similar to a pipe with a nib. The pen is dipped into hot wax and the little cup holds the wax for application. I've tried it and made a mess!

This sarong is an example of such a method, combined with stamping. Most Asian and African countries use carved wood stamps, but Indonesians developed a stamp with intricate copper designs embedded in a wood base. This is called a cap. (See my shop for wood stamps from India) Most sarongs now are commercially produced, printed by machine to imitate authentic batiks.

A sarong is a long piece of fabric used as a wrap by both men and women all over Asia. It is versatile and can be used for many other purposes: baby sling, wall hanging, table cloth, and so on.

This sarong is at least 20 years old. I bought it to sell as fabric, but it should not be used in projects that will take a lot of wear. For example, I would not recommend it in clothing or functional quilts. It is fine for wall pieces that will not be washed regularly or other light use functions.

Please visit my shop for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/ has great articles on textiles and fiber art from around the world, including many other Etsy artists.

Molita Med 16M, Orange Bird- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:39:01 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 10.75" x 7.75"
Metric: 27.5 x 20 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a medium one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Molita 10M, Red Macaw in a Tree- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:53 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 10" x 8"
Metric: 26 x 21 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a medium one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

See my blog, Fiber Focus, for articles on molas: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Molas

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 71, Large Vintage with Shisha Mirrors

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:53 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 6.75" x 6"
17 x 15 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 62, Bright with Shisha Mirrors and Seed Beads

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:53 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 6" x 3"
15 x 7.5 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Mola Textile 30, Percussion- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:53 -0500

$36.00
Dimensions: 17"x 12.5"
Metric: 43 x 31 cm

Note: This mola has been worn.

Click on the zoom options for larger images.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). The last photo shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Vintage Sindhi Ralli Quilt 65 , Tribal Textile- Pakistan or India

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:52 -0500

$140.00
Dimensions: 75" long x 49" wide
Metric: 190 x 125 cm

We American quilters (I'm one of that crowd) tend to think of quilts as our unique tradition. In truth, quilts have been made in Asia and Africa for centuries, a natural extension of using up scraps of valuable fabric or textiles. Ralli quilts have only recently attracted notice to Western collectors. They are made by Sindhi women in Southern Pakistan as well as the surrounding regions, on into India. Most are narrow single
sized, useful for a cot or wrap, and even as a door cover. They vary in color and design, reflecting individual taste as well as availability of materials. Most commonly, they are quilted in vertical rows from top to bottom and most have a thin layer of old fabric inside, instead of batting.

Ralli quilts are becoming highly collectible and fit well with many types of decor. On a wall, a bed, or draped on a rail, they have the freshness of folk art. There is a beautiful website dedicated to ralli quilts with much more information on their history: http://www.ralliquilt.com/history.html
I also have articles about them on my blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Ralli%20Quilt

Specifics on this piece:

This is a crooked quilt! So crooked that it's interesting... The fabrics feel like silk or silk blends and they must have shrunk at different rates. It would be tough to hang this piece, but fortunately, it lies flat and looks fine on a bed or as a throw over a couch. I love the color palette and the feel of this quilt. It was constructed completely by hand. A lot of work here! Isn't there a kid's poem about a crooked lady who lived in a crooked house? If that's you, this would be your perfect quilt! By the way, it is otherwise in very good shape.

Estimated age: 1970's

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Shipping is free internationally on this piece.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases (in this case, anything else you add on would also be free shipping), ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India or Pakistan- Asian Wood Textile Block or Stamp 130, Simple Border

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:08 -0500

$7.50
Dimensions: 4.25" x 2.75" x 1.25"
Metric: 11 x 6.5 x 3 cm

Note: This stamp is worn down on the left top edge, so I have reduced the price. The ridge can be rebuilt with wood filler if you want it to be functional, although it will still imprint into clay.

Stamps like this one are used across Asia to decorate fabric with imprinted designs of ink or batik. The stamp is painstakingly carved out of wood. I buy them from a friend who primarily imports from Afghanistan, but this one is probably from India or Pakistan.

Stamping arrived in the United States as a craze for hobbyists and stayed on, with increasingly interesting variations in patterns, uses, and sizes. This art has ancient roots all over Asia, Africa and native cultures around the world. In some places, stamping is done with simple natural shapes, in others, like Indonesia, they have become a highly developed art, with intricate metal designs embedded into the wood for batik patterns. This carved wood stamp was used for ink on fabric, but many of our customers have bought them for use on paper and clay as well as for their decorative appeal. I have several that I keep as art pieces- plate hangers work well to hang them or they can usually stand on their own.

Visit my shop for more ethnic textiles and supplies, as well as things I make.

Shipping is combined on multiple purchases and free if they total over $100. I was doing that for international orders as well, but because the blocks are so heavy, I now cover the first $20 in shipping. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, has a couple of articles on the stamps: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search/label/Textile%20Stamps

Indonesia- Hand Batiked Cotton Vintage Java Sarong 7

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:08 -0500

$45.00
Dimensions: 41" wide x 89" long
Metric: 104 x 226 cm

Indonesia can probably lay claim to the highest expertise in the art of batik. Batiks are made by stamping or painting on fabric with wax or another resist like soy, potato or rice paste. They have developed a drawing pen, called a canting, which is similar to a pipe with a nib. The pen is dipped into hot wax and the little cup holds the wax for application. I've tried it and made a mess!

This sarong is an example of such a method, combined with stamping. Most Asian and African countries use carved wood stamps, but Indonesians developed a stamp with intricate copper designs embedded in a wood base. This is called a cap. (See my shop for wood stamps from India) Most sarongs now are commercially produced, printed by machine to imitate authentic batiks.

A sarong is a long piece of fabric used as a wrap by both men and women all over Asia. It is versatile and can be used for many other purposes: baby sling, wall hanging, table cloth, and so on.

This sarong is at least 20 years old. I bought it to sell as fabric, but it should not be used in projects that will take a lot of wear. For example, I would not recommend it in clothing or functional quilts. It is fine for wall pieces that will not be washed regularly or other light use functions.

Please visit my shop for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus, http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/ has great articles on textiles and fiber art from around the world, including many other Etsy artists.

Afghanistan, Hand-Carved Artisan Tube Beads, Serpentine

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:07 -0500

$21.00
A friend of mine, native to Afghanistan, began working with artisans and refugees there about 15 years ago with a large focus on beads and jewelry. He owns Afghan Tribal Arts and has a huge selection of beads (see my profile for more info). If you see beads on his website you would like me to carry here on Etsy, let me know and I will try to get them for you.
__________

Raw, hand-carved beads.

The beads I am carrying have not been polished and have a matte finish. The beads are porous, they absorb the oils of the skin and develop a rich, deep lustre. If you would like to oil them, you can apply a dab of olive oil with a cloth and wipe the strand.

_________________

Tube beads:

This listing is for one strand of serpentine tube beads. I scanned the beads with a ruler that shows both inches and centimeters to give you and idea of scale. The color is a pale, sea green with color variations (light to deeper), quite beautiful. Each strand is about 15" long. I counted 6 beads to an inch, so estimated number of beads is 90.

The third photo helps show the color differences and sizes of the serpentine and jade heishi along with the jade tubes.

Molita Sm 5, Yellow Bird- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:07 -0500

$9.00
Dimensions: 7.5"x 5.5"
Metric: 18 x 14 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a small one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Vintage Sindhi Ralli Quilt 1 , South Asian Textile- Pakistan or India

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:52:45 -0500

$145.00
Dimensions: 92" long x 59" wide
Metric: 234 x 150 cm

We American quilters (I'm one of that crowd) tend to think of quilts as our unique tradition. In truth, quilts have been made in Asia and Africa for centuries, a natural extension of using up scraps of valuable fabric or textiles. Ralli quilts have only recently attracted notice to Western collectors. They are made by Sindhi women in Southern Pakistan as well as the surrounding regions. Most are narrow single sized, useful for a cot or wrap. They vary in color and design, reflecting individual taste as well as availability of materials. Most commonly, they are quilted in vertical rows from top to bottom and most have a thin layer of old fabric inside, instead of batting.

Ralli quilts are becoming highly collectible and fit well with many types of decor. On a wall, a bed, or draped on a rail, they have the freshness of folk art. There is a beautiful website dedicated to ralli quilts with much more information on their history: http://www.ralliquilt.com/history.html

Specifics on this piece:
Top fabric is a soft polyester, satiny to the touch. The backing is a mixture- appear to be suiting fabrics in neutrals. No major damage, the quilt is in very good shape. There are a couple of small areas that could be repaired. The quilt was musty and smelly, quite dirty, so I machine washed it and it cleaned up beautifully.

Estimated age: 1970's

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Shipping is free internationally on this piece.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Turkmen Robe 16, Central Asian Textile, Sm, Med Size 8

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:52:45 -0500

$54.00
Dimensions:

My mannequin is a size 10 and the robe drapes nicely on it, but doesn't close all the way in the front, so my estimate is that this is a size 8. Please refer to the measurements for sizing:

Across shoulders: 18" (46 cm)
Across back at armpits: 20" (51 cm)
Length: 44" (112 cm)
Length of sleeves: 21" (54 cm)

Specifics on this piece:

Shows wear, fabric has some stress points and a few pin holes. Some basting is apparent that should be looked at. Lining is in good shape, a Chinese silky acetate. Garment was dirty and smelly- I machine washed it and ironed it. I was pleased that it held together and shows itself wearable.

The Turkmen people have been traditionally nomadic, inhabiting Turkmenistan and parts of Afghanistan and Iran. They have a centuries old history of oral traditions and are known for their carpets, embroidery and passion for horses. The Turkmen of Iran and Afghanistan remain semi-nomadic and are more conservative than their counterparts in Turkmenistan due to year of communist rule under the Soviet Union.

Robes like this one are called a "chavit". I have also seen them referred to as a "chapan". The burgundy red with yellow stripes is a favored color palette, but the robes also come in many other colors. From what I have read, it is unlikely that they wove their own fabric, purchasing it instead in town. They did, however, do the embroidery and women achieved recognition among their peers for their ability. This piece is estimated to be at least 30 years old. The fabric is thick and sturdy and is likely to be a cotton/silk blend.

The robe can be worn, but many collectors and designers use these garments as decorative pieces, hanging them on a dowel or on a wire mannequin.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Molita Med 17M, Swordfish- Native Kuna Indian Applique

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:52:45 -0500

$15.00
Dimensions: 11" x 8.5"
Metric: 28 x 21.5 cm

Molitas are smaller versions of molas (some history below) that are made specifically for commercial purposes. Quilters, especially, enjoy using these appliquéd pieces in their quilts, but they are appropriate for use in bags, pillows and other accessories.

I carry three types of molas: the original ones Kuna women use in their blouses, and two sizes of the molitas, small and medium. This is a medium one. The molitas are less complex than the molas and more affordable. Workmanship is still excellent. They are machine washable and durable. The second photo shows the back of the piece.

Click on the zoom options for larger images. If you want to see all the molitas in one page, search within the shop using the keyword "molita".

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Vintage Turkmen Robe 11, Central Asian Textile, Sm Size 10

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:44:36 -0500

$78.00
My mannequin is a size 10 and the robe just fits it. It might be even better on a smaller sized body. Please refer to the measurements for sizing:

Across shoulders: 19" (48 cm)
Across back at armpits: 23" (59 cm)
Length: 35" (89 cm)
Length of sleeves: 18" (46 cm)

Specifics on this piece:

The embroidery on this piece is its crown of glory. Tight, small stitches in Turkman traditional colors and patterns adorn the front, along the neckline, sleeves and hem. The red fabric is a sturdy cotton/silk blend, the black a lighter weight satin, and the lining is a cotton floral typical of imported fabric into the region from Russia and China. There is a hole that was once repaired on the back shoulder, about 1/2 " in diameter (1.5 cm). Red cotton fabric shows through. Garment was dirty and smelly- I machine washed it and ironed it. I was pleased that it held together and shows itself wearable.

Use the zoom option for larger images.

The Turkmen people have been traditionally nomadic, inhabiting Turkmenistan and parts of Afghanistan and Iran. They have a centuries old history of oral traditions and are known for their carpets, embroidery and passion for horses. The Turkmen of Iran and Afghanistan remain semi-nomadic and are more conservative than their counterparts in Turkmenistan due to year of communist rule under the Soviet Union.

Robes like this one are called a "chavit". I have also seen them referred to as a "chapan". The burgundy red with yellow stripes is a favored color palette, but the robes also come in many other colors. From what I have read, it is unlikely that they wove their own fabric, purchasing it instead in town. They did, however, do the embroidery and women achieved recognition among their peers for their ability. This piece is estimated to be at least 40 years old. The fabric is thick and sturdy and is likely to be a cotton/silk blend. It has a nice, rich sheen.

The robe can be worn, but many collectors and designers use these garments as decorative pieces, hanging them on a dowel or on a wire mannequin.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog features articles about world textiles and fiber. Guest artists also talk about their work: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 69, Red, Green and Yellow

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:44:36 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 5.5" x 5"
14 x 13 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. The mirrors are considered to be protective amulets that guard against the evil eye.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Band 37, 9 Shisha Mirrors

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:44:36 -0500

$17.50
Dimensions: 3.5" x 16"
9 x 40 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The last photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image.

This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal. A reader of my blog left a comment saying that the patches with two big mirrors are a protection against the "evil eye". This one has nine mirrors. More protection? The embroidery was done with cotton floss.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework:

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Mola Textile 31, Flying Birds- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:44:36 -0500

$36.00
Dimensions: 14.5"x 11.5"
Metric: 37 x 29 cm

Note: This mola has been worn.

Click on the zoom options for larger images.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). The last photo shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

All sales on Etsy are in USD.

My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/

Vintage Sindhi Ralli Quilt 2 , South Asian Textile- Pakistan or India

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:58:47 -0500

$120.00
Dimensions: 83" long x 53" wide
Metric: 211 x 135 cm

We American quilters (I'm one of that crowd) tend to think of quilts as our unique tradition. In truth, quilts have been made in Asia and Africa for centuries, a natural extension of using up scraps of valuable fabric or textiles. Ralli quilts have only recently attracted notice to Western collectors. They are made by Sindhi women in Southern Pakistan as well as the surrounding regions. Most are narrow single sized, useful for a cot or wrap. They vary in color and design, reflecting individual taste as well as availability of materials. Most commonly, they are quilted in vertical rows from top to bottom and most have a thin layer of old fabric inside, instead of batting.

Ralli quilts are becoming highly collectible and fit well with many types of decor. On a wall, a bed, or draped on a rail, they have the freshness of folk art. There is a beautiful website dedicated to ralli quilts with much more information on their history: http://www.ralliquilt.com/history.html

Specifics on this piece:
Top fabric is a soft polyester, satiny to the touch. The backing is the same fabric. There are several small areas that could be repaired, but many collectors prefer the imperfections, so I leave them. Two of the photos show these area circled. There are a few sequins sewn here and there. The tassels on the ends are acrylic yarn. The quilt was musty and smelly, quite dirty, so I machine washed it and it cleaned up beautifully.

Estimated age: 1970's

Make sure to use the zoom option for larger images.

Shipping is free internationally on this piece.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Turkmen Robe 5, Central Asian Textile, Medium

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:58:47 -0500

$60.00
Dimensions:

Across shoulders: 17"
Across back at armpits: 21"
Length: 42"
Length of sleeves: 22.5"

Specifics on this piece:

This robe is in excellent shape for its age. It has gorgeous embroidery down the front and along the hem and sleeves. It needs a good cleaning- has that thrift store smell. The fabric appears to be a wool blend. It is a royal blue and has some ribbed texture in it. It is thick and sturdy. There are a few small (pin head size) holes on the outside. The lining is a rich thick blue satin and in very good shape.

My mannequin is a medium, around a size 12. Use the zoom option for larger images.

Estimated age: 1970's

The Turkmen people have been traditionally nomadic, inhabiting Turkmenistan and parts of Afghanistan and Iran. They have a centuries old history of oral traditions and are known for their carpets, embroidery and passion for horses. The Turkmen of Iran and Afghanistan remain semi-nomadic and are more conservative than their counterparts in Turkmenistan due to year of communist rule under the Soviet Union.

Robes like this one are called a "chavit". I have also seen them referred to as a "chapan". Burgundy red with yellow stripes is a favored color palette, but the robes also come in many other colors. From what I have read, it is unlikely that they wove their own fabric, purchasing it instead in town. They did, however, do the embroidery and women achieved recognition among their peers for their ability.

The robe can be worn, but many collectors and designers use these garments as decorative pieces, hanging them on a dowel or on a wire mannequin.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Vintage Miao Ethnic Minority Embroidered Floral Silk Patch 8

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:58:47 -0500

$15.00
5.5" x 5.5"
metric: 14 x 14 cm

This patch is salvaged from an article of clothing used by the Miao people of China. The Miao are the largest ethnic minority in China and are well known for their beautifully worked textiles and colors.

This patch would be a wonderful accessory or finishing point on a bag, hat, jacket, or other textile. It has a heavy weight and is quite stiff, much like modern commercial patches. The maroon satin fabric is sewn over a thick dark canvas and the embroidery stitches go through both layers of fabric. The last photo shows the back.

Make sure you click on each image to see the full piece as they are cropped in the thumbnails. Use the zoom option for larger images.

Estimated age: 1980's

I have a wonderful little book on Chinese folk art that gives some background on both the Miao people and their crafts. The following are excerpts from "Arts & Crafts of China" by Scott Minick and Jiao Ping, published by Thames and Hudson in 1996.

"The textile arts, particularly those of weaving, dyeing and embroidery, play a principal role in the folk arts and crafts of China. The sewing and decoration of clothing not only serves to protect the people from the extremes of the environment, but also assumes important ceremonial and symbolic functions throughout the year. Through colour, form, pattern, weave and stitch, each piece of clothing is imbued with unique characteristics that distinguish and identify the ethnic origin, social stature or religious beliefs of the wearer. Emphasis on familial and ethnic continuity is especially strong in Chinese tradition, and expressive dress, particularly during festival periods, remains one of the predominant means of retaining and honouring the customs of many generations."

...

"The Miao, for example, who constitute one of China's largest minorities, refer to themselves as 'Hmong', which literally translated means 'cotton clothes' people. This choice of name is indicative of the enormous importance cotton cloth held for the Miao over many centuries. Forced in ancient times to abandon their villages and flee, the Miao decorated their clothing with representations of principal fauna and flora of their homelands."
...
... "This demand for exceptional embroidery provided many opportunities for girls from poor families to supplement their family income, a practice which continues to this day. However, this was certainly not the sole source for finely embroidered goods. Before the advent of factory-made cloth even the daughters of wealthy families were taught the arts of weaving, dyeing and embroidery as a way of increasing the young woman's dowry. Known as 'boudoir embroidery', such pieces consisted primarily of quilt covers, pillowcases and other articles to be used in establishing a new household. The quality of a young woman's work, regardless of her origins, was never treated lightly and would have a direct affect on her future. For hundreds of years Chinese women were chosen for marriage based on the sophistication and mastery of their embroidery skills rather than their beauty, for it was thought that only through the complexities of a woman's stitchery could one catch a glimpse of her true inner nature."
...
"Imperial appreciation for elaborate couture embroidery may be traced to the ancient "Book of Documents", in which the Emperor Shun requests of his young successor Yu: "I wish to see the signs of the ancients, the sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, and the flowery fowl, together with temple vessels, aquatic grasses, fire, rice, and other embroidered decorations, emblazoned on your garments in all the five colours."

"His suggested use of the 'five colours' is a reference to an elemental order of natural forces thought to govern the world. Yellow represents the earth; azure symbolizes wood; white suggests metal; red represents fire; and black corresponds to water. These forces work together in a continuous cycle presiding over periods of creation and destruction, rebirth and decay. In this elemental hierarchy wood reigns over earth; metal prevails over wood; fire triumphs over metal; water douses fire; and earth covers water. Thus the five colours, when used together in embroidery, are referred to as the 'threads of life' and serve to protect the wearer from malicious forces."

Visit my store for wonderful textiles from around the world and for things I make. My blog, Fiber Focus, has articles on textiles and stories by guest artists.

India- Banjara Embroidery Textile Patch 29, 15 Shisha Mirrors

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:58:12 -0500

$12.50
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5"
14.5 x 9 cm

This small textile is a Banjara patch that can be used to accent a purse, jean jacket, pillow, or other textile. It can be framed as art or just set on a table as a decorative element. Banjara textiles and clothing use colorful fabrics, embroidery, mirrors, cowrie shells, coins, beads- all tightly sewn together into wonderful arrangements. Belly dancers are especially drawn to Banjara needlework and often use them in their costumes.

The second photo shows the back. Use the zoom option for a larger image. This kind of mirror work is called "shisha" and was originally inspired by the Taj Mahal.

The Banjara people originate in Rajasthan, India, as do the Roma, formerly known as gypsies. Many historians think they may be related as they have similar linguistic roots. Both have been ostracized and persecuted and both prefer not to marry outside of the group. I have articles and videos of them on my blogs:

fiberfocus.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

artezanolinks.blogspot.com/search?q=banjara

The following is from Surya's Garden (suryasgarden.org/Projects.html) dedicated to preserving and promoting Banjara women's needlework"

"Originating centuries ago in the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert areas of Rajasthan, the Banjaras were bullock transport carriers and builders of great monuments, who ranged throughout the subcontinent negotiating and maintaining expensive contracts to supply goods to important customers as the Moghal armies and the British. For centuries, they efficiently moved their enormous caravans through vast roadless tracts of all India, guarantying safe conduct for grain, salt and messages. Doing so they spread from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Orissa to Gujarat, spilling over into Sind, Pakistan, Iran and further west. Since they wore all their wealth, they were famed for their colorful dress and spectacular jewelry, and known for their lyricism, for song, poetry and dance, and for the maintenance of a unique aesthetic in their embroidery.

...

Signaling their ethnic membership, all Banjaras embroideries are designed for a nomadic life style and, while featuring geometric, floral and animal motifs used by a majority of India’s village peoples, Banjara embroidery design is strikingly different.

For dancing and ordinary ceremonial wear, women use traditional skirts, shawls and backless blouses generally made of commercial textiles, synthetic yarns and locally available mirrors and metal ornaments. The blouses usually are ornamented on the sleeves and fully embroidered with mirrors across the front. Embroidered flaps with metal ornaments are added to the blouses of married women. The shawls have embroidered borders along the top and bottom edges with a wider more elaborate strip of mirror embroidery at the center top that frames the face. The skirts, hanging low on the hips, are worn with the kodi sadak, a long rope of cowries; the waist bands are generally reinforced with sturdy embroidery, worked on a red quilted or twined ground. Particularly fine pieces are made for prospective brides."

_________________

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. All sales on Etsy are in USD.

Mola Textile 40, Abstract- Native Kuna Indian Reverse Applique

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:58:12 -0500

$24.00
Dimensions: 17.25"x 12.5"
Metric: 44 x 32 cm

Note: This mola has been worn. There is a small piece that needs to be re-stitched. It is visible in the photos. Background is a textured polyester, while the rest is cotton.

Click on the zoom options for larger images.

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas Islands make exquisite textiles like this one, called a mola. The panels are used to decorate their blouses, normally one in the front and one in back. They were originally inspired by traditional motifs from their body art and Kuna legend, but later went on to incorporate images from daily life, including the mass media.

The Kuna are found in Panama and Colombia. The women continue to wear molas and being skilled in the craft is honored among them. It has also become an important source of income for them through tourism and collectors. There are many "factories" that imitate molas and cater only to tourism. My supplier lived in Panama for 17 years and has a mola addiction.

The technique is exquisite and the color choices are often pretty wild. Molas are made by combining cut-work or reverse appliqué and regular appliqué. Reverse appliqué is the process of cutting into a background fabric to expose that color of fabric, while the best known form of appliqué adds fabric to the top of another piece for contrast. The Kuna use both, cutting back and adding on top. They accent the design with embroidery.

A mola appreciates in value depending on how old it is, if it was used by a Kuna woman as part of a blouse, how tiny the stitches are, how many layers of fabric were used for cut-work, and for the overall design of the piece. Similar techniques are used in traditional Hawaiian quilts, by the Sindhi people in Pakistan, by the Hmong in Thailand and around the world. But, each culture has translated the technique uniquely and the Kuna are undoubtedly the most psychedelic of them all!

These panels can be framed as they are or incorporated into other projects (t-shirts, jean jackets, pillows, purses, quilts). The last photo shows the back so that you can see some of the stitching.

Please visit my store for many more gorgeous ethnic textiles and for things that I make, too. I combine shipping on multiple purchases, ship worldwide, and strive to support hand made textiles from many cultures. Free shipping on purchases over $100!

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My blog, Fiber Focus: http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com/