In a unique showcase of cultural richness, a two-week-long Nomad exhibition is set to unveil an extraordinary collection of rugs, gelims (flat woven rugs), horse blankets, and saddlebags sourced from private collections. The exhibition, featuring approximately 50-60 pieces, highlights the intricate craftsmanship of textiles from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Originating from a vast region spanning eastern Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, and Turkestan, these textiles reflect the nomadic tribes’ textile culture. These tribes herded sheep, camels, and goats across lowlands in winter to high mountain pastures in summer, creating textiles from hand-spun and hand-woven wool, predominantly dyed in natural colors.
Despite primitive living conditions, the artists showcased an astonishing contemporary sense of design, incorporating abstract designs reminiscent of modern paintings. The use of natural dyes, such as reds, indigo blue, green, yellow, and black, contributed to the richness and durability of the pieces. The artworks feature elements from daily life, including birds, animals, flowers, figures, and motifs.
The vast region encompassed different tribal groups, each with its artistic language – Kurds and Turks in Anatolia, Kurds from western Iran, Shahsavan from the Northwest, Qashgai, Bakhtiars, Khamseh, and Afshar from the west and south of Iran, and Baluch and Turkmans from Eastern Iran and Turkestan to the north.
Due to the movement of people, motifs are shared across regions but interpreted uniquely. The boteh (paisley) motif, widely used and found in pieces from the Caucasus, western Iran, and Central Asia, may have originated from India.
The exhibition, curated by Amita Goel and sponsored by Shades of India, aims to introduce Indian audiences to a tradition that may be less familiar. David and Mandeep Housego’s extensive collections, acquired over years of travel in the region, along with contributions from Danny and Renuka Mehra’s vast collection, make this exhibition a must-see. It follows the success of last year’s exhibition featuring Central Asian suzani, ikats, and rugs at the National Crafts Museum.
Where:Â National Crafts Museum, Delhi, India
When: On till 12th February 2024Â
Timings:Â 10 am to 6pm
