LEARNING HISTORY THROUGH TEXTILES
Why am I writing this article to you?
Hi, would you like to help us write/collaborate on an article or two about the history and current use of Afghani textiles? We would love to feature your thoughts and work in our educational News Room. Any medium, be it rugs and carpets, clothing, knitting, crocheting, etc., could be the subject. A quote from New Pathways Into Quilt History* tells a part of the story of why I'm here:
Quilts, women and men, from all walks of life and geographic location can open our eyes and our heart to those who sewed before us. It is a wonderful way to learn about history.
If you are interested and would like to submit a document, you and your group will be credited and promoted. Please contact me at your earliest convenience and we can work out the details of this incredible project!
Who am I?
My name is Cathi L. and I have been a Gather** member since February 2006. I own a Gather group called Michael Yon Dispatches*** which includes articles from an independent war correspondent named Michael Yon, who embeds with troops, both US and our allies, and writes about his experiences. There are other articles within the group, all relating to support of our military or information on current situations. Allow me to share a little bit from the Michael Yon Dispatches Mission Statement****:
The Michael Yon Dispatches group was formed to provide a unique perspective to the general population of what is happening during a time of war. Following the mainstream media's newsfeeds, watching the television reports and specials, I have come away with a total disbelief of not only the misinformation, but the lack of information about our military, who fights by our side and the countries in which we are fighting.
Secondly, I wanted to share a visual panorama of where we are fighting and who we are fighting with or against. Where in the world, what is the history, what are the people like, how do they live, how are we affected, and how are we affecting them. What other countries are our allies and why are they participating? What do they see their involvement will accomplish? What do we see our involvement will accomplish.
What am I looking for?
That being said, I am developing a series of articles regarding Afghanistan and its history. As noted earlier, one way to explore history would be to write about traditional Afghani textiles which reflect the diverse nature of the country itself.
Afghanistan has been a cultural crossroads and a political battlefield for a long time, with centuries of invasions and migrations. All of these have created a great ethnic variety within the country, as well as adding to its troubled history.
From the website, Colors of the Crossroads: Textiles of Afghanistan*****:
Today, Afghanistan is populated by approximately 26 million people that belong to over 20 different ethnic groups, each with their own language, customs, and traditions. Major groups include the Tajik, Uzbek, and Turkmen of the northern part of the country; the Hazara, who occupy the mountainous central area; and the Baluchi of southwestern Afghanistan. The Pashtun, the country’s largest ethnic group, inhabit the southeastern and eastern areas. Many of these groups also occupy parts of neighboring countries.
The designs, materials, and techniques of the traditional textiles of Afghanistan display these varying ethnic and regional influences, creating a mixture of Middle Eastern and Central Asian styles that are further combined with those of the Indian subcontinent. Clothing and household furnishings feature vibrant silk and cotton fabrics, wool woven into intricate patterns, and lavish embroidery. Even utilitarian items like grain bags and animal trappings may be beautifully decorated, creating liveliness in often harsh environments.
Most people of Afghanistan are Muslim, and their traditional garments are of Islamic type. Women wear a tunic or high-waist dress over loose trousers, and they usually cover their heads with a scarf or a large cloth. Some women wear tent-like garments, or burqa, that cover their bodies from head to foot. Men also wear a long tunic over loose pants and cover their heads with a cap or turban. A variety of vests, coats, and cloaks are also worn by both men and women.
To read more on Michael Yon, or more information regarding the military, please go to the Michael Yon Dispatches Gather Group
*New Pathways Into Quilt History
**Cathi L.
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Comments: 17
Thank you again for all you do to cry out in the wilderness to raise our awareness of the side of foreign affairs of which we otherwise only are exposed to lack of information, misinformation and misleading information, Cathi.
Thanks again!
That's an interesting thought, too. I know areas in the Middle East are involved in fair trade practices, but I don't know specifically which countries and what is involved. That might be something worth looking into. Thanks for the idea, John!
I'm in, but well.. you already know that, though I haven't checked the other email yet today. I'll do what I can to help.
Oh, frontiercoop.com uses fair trade, ethics through-out their catalog and you know I'm a member/owner there... I'll have to see if anything is coming from that area.
Marilyn
Learning History Through Flora & Fauna - Part II of a Series
{sigh} but I only got one response on it. If you know of anybody who may be interested, or know of a group that may help promote it a little bit more, I'd appreciate it. :)