Camel Bag c. 19th century

This camel bag was created by an anonymous maker, using weaving techniques. Camel bags are woven containers made from wool, used by nomadic people to transport goods. The bag's intricate geometric patterns in red, gold, and green were produced using a traditional weaving technique. The tight weave structure and design, determined by the interlacing warp and weft, give the bag its durability and visual appeal. The maker would have used a loom, carefully interlacing threads to create a dense fabric able to withstand the rigors of travel and transport. The labor invested in the production of this bag is significant. From the sourcing and dyeing of wool to the meticulous process of weaving, each step reflects the skilled tradition of textile production, which would have been essential to nomadic life. By emphasizing the making of the bag, and its functionality within a specific cultural context, we can move beyond the categories of fine art and craft.