Shawl c. 1920s

This anonymous shawl, measuring 98 by 56 inches, is part of the collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Textiles like this one offer us a glimpse into the intricate and often obscured histories of trade, artistry, and cultural exchange. This shawl, with its delicate weave and subtle shimmer, would have been a significant marker of status, worn to signify the wearer's identity and place in society. Consider the journey this textile might have taken, the hands that crafted it, and the bodies it adorned. The absence of a known creator invites reflection on the countless artisans whose names and stories have been lost, particularly women and people of color, who have historically been excluded from art historical narratives. What untold stories are woven into its threads?