Fragment Mamluk period (1250–1517), 14th/ 15th century

This textile fragment, of unknown origin, is held at the Art Institute of Chicago. The fragment presents a repeating pattern of geometric shapes and vegetal forms in gold against a dark indigo backdrop. It's a compelling reminder that textiles, often overlooked, are deeply woven into the fabric of our histories and cultures. Textiles speak to the complexities of trade and exchange across regions and tell silent stories of the labor, skill, and artistry involved in their creation. Imagine the hands that dyed these threads, and the bodies that wore this cloth. Textiles like this acted as a marker of identity and status, reflecting a complex interplay of class, gender, and cultural belonging. What do you think this textile was once used for and what kind of person would have used it? Although the maker of this fragment remains unknown, it evokes a sense of connection to the past.