Towel c. 19th century

This yellow towel with decorative bands was created by an unknown artist. The ambiguity of its origins raises questions about the cultural narratives embedded in everyday objects. Without knowing the towel's country and time of origin, we are prompted to consider the broader socio-economic implications of textile production. Was it crafted in a domestic setting, reflecting a tradition of home-based artistry? Or does it come from a factory, where mass production shaped both the design and the labor conditions? The floral bands could suggest folk art traditions, but they could also be a reference to global trade networks of pattern books and industrial production. The presence of this everyday object in a museum setting also raises interesting questions about the Western art world's engagement with non-Western art forms. The work challenges us to consider how institutional practices shape our understanding of art, and highlights the need for art history to consider a wide range of sources to shed light on its contexts.