Shaker Dress Material 1935 - 1942

This sample of Shaker dress material, made by an anonymous hand, speaks volumes about the community from which it came. The Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, were a religious sect committed to communal living, pacifism, and equality. This commitment extended to their craft practices. Shaker textiles like this one were typically made from locally sourced materials, spun, dyed, and woven within the community. The modest color and simple weave reflect the Shaker emphasis on humility and practicality. Garments were made for function, not adornment. The quality of the weave, however, speaks to the skill and dedication of the Shaker craftspeople. This sample represents a considered aesthetic, where labor is not just a means to an end, but a form of devotion. The act of making was, in itself, a spiritual practice. Considering this textile, we begin to see how the values of a community can be woven directly into the fabric of their lives.