Shirt fabric c. early 20th century

This is a piece of shirt fabric, created by an anonymous artist. Observe the lozenge motifs patterned through the textile; these are prominent, potent symbols, deeply rooted in humanity’s visual vocabulary. These diamond shapes, rendered in warm yellows, oranges and whites, descend from ancient traditions, representing eyes, or perhaps, the vulva as a sign of fertility and life-giving power. Consider its echoes in the eye-like patterns of ancient Cycladic figurines, or the diamond shapes painted on Neolithic pottery. The lozenge moves through time, appearing in myriad forms and contexts. Its presence here, as part of daily wear, speaks to its role as a protective talisman, a charm against harm. It resurfaces through time, connecting us to the wellspring of human creativity and subconscious expression, a symbol that is perpetually reborn.