Ngoshingka (tunic) c. 20th century

This “Ngoshingka (tunic)” was made by an anonymous artist. The deep indigo dye blanketing the main body of the tunic, contrasts brilliantly against the geometric patterns sewn on top. Looking closely at the material, you can see that the indigo dye isn’t perfectly uniform, but has a gorgeous, subtly textured quality. This gives the tunic a kind of depth, like looking into the night sky. Then there’s the meticulous embroidery. The way the red, green, and blue threads are laid down, side by side. It’s so exact, each stitch placed with intention, but you can still see the hand in it. The human element is just there, embedded in the art. It brings to mind the work of Gee’s Bend quilters, another group of anonymous artists, who, through the medium of textiles, found ways to express their creativity and heritage. Art is always a conversation, a passing down of knowledge and ideas.