Towel c. 19th century

This towel, by an anonymous maker, is rendered in linen with embroidered details. In many ways, textiles offer a unique view into the lives of those often excluded from historical narratives. Considered a domestic craft, embroidery was often relegated to the realm of women's work. Yet, such pieces also provided an important medium for creative and personal expression. The whimsical, tented pattern along the hem of this towel suggests a narrative, and invites reflection on the everyday lives and artistic practices of those in the past. Objects such as this towel remind us of the stories that can be woven into the simplest of domestic items, offering insight into the identities, labor, and creativity of those whose names may be lost to history.