Tent Hanging c. 19th century

This tent hanging was made by an anonymous artist, using woven cloth. Look closely, and you'll see many intriguing symbols adorn the textile. Motifs such as the diamond, the star, and other geometric forms fill the blue background. These are not merely decorative, they are powerful visual signifiers. The star motif, a universal symbol, is present in nearly every culture, from ancient Sumerian art to Renaissance paintings. Throughout history, the star has been a sign of guidance, protection, and divine presence. In this tent hanging, the abstracted star and diamond forms likely carry similar protective meanings, intended to safeguard the inhabitants of the tent. These symbols possess an emotional weight, engaging us on a subconscious level. It is not just what we see, but what we feel, that connects us to these images. The cyclical journey of the symbol is not linear, but a constant process of rediscovery and reinvention, resurfacing in new contexts, carrying echoes of past meanings.