Panel c. 19th century

This textile panel of unknown origin invites us to consider the narratives woven into its threads. Its creation likely occurred within a society where textiles were not merely functional, but also rich with cultural meaning and social significance. The anonymity of the artist complicates our understanding; we are left to ponder the hands that crafted this piece, their stories, and the context in which they lived and worked. Was it a communal effort, or the work of an individual artisan? How did gender, class, and ethnicity play a role in textile production in this time and place? The patterns and motifs, meticulously arranged, may hold symbolic meanings connected to the cultural identity of its creators. This panel acts as a silent witness, reflecting both the artistry and the historical circumstances of an unknown people, while also reflecting on the politics of anonymity.