Tentzakvoorblad c. 1850

Curator: Well, here's a thing of beauty. This piece is called "Tentzakvoorblad", created around 1850 by the Tekke people. It's primarily made of textile and showcases intricate weaving techniques. Editor: Wow, it feels like looking at something deeply private. It has a warmth, like a cherished family secret, but there's also a bit of wear-and-tear to it, so a shared burden too. The colour's not as bright, either; there are a lot of reds that fade into browns. Curator: The palette is dominated by rich, earthy tones and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of geometric patterns. Can you see how these repetitive motifs aren’t just decoration? Editor: Totally, the composition isn't random at all! Each of those repeating geometric shapes feels deliberate, each mirroring and offsetting its partners in perfect harmony. They seem connected, almost as if the motifs have the purpose to sustain the textile's composition. The weaver was definitely thinking symbolically; there's no question about that! Curator: Scholars have often interpreted such geometric designs as symbolic representations of tribal identity and cosmological beliefs. But there's something so human behind the technical achievement, right? Editor: Absolutely. I imagine the tent it adorned witnessed countless stories, and the fact it has survived speaks volumes about the human element. Think of all of those hands crafting and stitching over days. Curator: It really does transcend mere function, doesn’t it? It's both a historical artifact and a beautiful work of art. Editor: It feels incredibly personal too, because you could imagine it providing shelter, safety, protection, for those who dwell within. I would say I will never look at an old textile in the same way again. Curator: I couldn't agree more, let's move onto our next piece!