Shawl (kussaba) c. 18th century

Curator: The "Shawl (kussaba)" is estimated to have been created around the 18th century. Woven from silk, it's a compelling example of textile art, and it currently resides here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: The first word that springs to mind is "intricate." Look at that central star-like design—it's almost mesmerizing, and yet the overall tone is very earthy. There's a beautiful density to the pattern. Curator: These shawls, historically, weren’t merely decorative. Their patterns and quality communicated status and identity. We're dealing with coded meanings, woven into the very fabric. The use of silk reflects access to trade routes and luxury materials of the time. I encourage everyone to view it with these intersections of identity and trade in mind. Editor: Thinking about it that way casts such a different light! Suddenly, I see a conversation happening through design choices. The repetition isn't just visual—it's almost a whispered history of someone’s heritage or even resistance. It makes me think about all the stories garments silently hold. I would love to drape myself with it. Curator: It absolutely acts as a historical marker, which relates closely to complex societal hierarchies and the movement of materials across regions. Editor: There's almost a stubborn quality, I think, about these kinds of older works, like they were intended to have their cultural relevance extend beyond their original audience or intention. Maybe, I suppose, everything carries unintended cultural weight in the long run. Curator: Precisely! The ‘unintended’ consequence of historical placement in social history makes textiles an art that is both beautiful and socially profound. Editor: It really makes you reflect on everything, how identity gets woven in everything we wear, whether by choice or circumstance. Thanks, now I’m going to be thinking about it every time I put on my socks.