Today's presentation of TMA and NERS, by collector Paul Ramsey, was a gallery of images of the nomadic people of parts of Iran, their lives, culture and textile arts. Mostly the captions present enough explanation, so I will refrain from too much commentary.
I got in too late for the zoom room, so I was in the overflow livestream on YouTube, which gave less ability to edit as I went, but I think it came out intelligibly.
They're such handsome people, and dress in great woven clothes. Girls and women are the spinners and weavers, and you'll see them with Turkish drop spindles, working as they walk together.
They use backstrap and vertical looms, very portable, to create the bags used for their biannual treks. This is when they bring animals from summer to winter pastures and back, using camels, horses and mules as pack animals. The bags hold all their possessions safely for the journeys.
I included a couple of images showing how to construct the bags and how the weaving varies, including different structures and knotting. This is in case any blogista fancies trying their hand at it.
You'll see bread baking out of doors, and the portable houses they erect each time they move. This way of life is threatened now by modern society and politics, but for now they live as they have for centuries.
The tea making you see in one image, a mom closely watched by her kids, was part of the hospitality they showed to this presenter. The older boy guided the collector to his home and introduced them.
I really liked the insight Ramsey showed in his choice of images, giving us a few, respectful, glimpses of nomadic life.
Happy day, everyone, I hope you liked this. I found it a good distraction from current doings.
Love the photos of the people! They speak volumes!
ReplyDeleteAren't they wonderful? Such grace, and all the expertise it takes to live that life.
DeleteBeautiful textiles.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what you think of their weaving patterns?
DeleteThose woven transport bags are beautiful works of art! Actually, their size and shape remind me of big hockey equipment bags that players all carry their gear in. Nowhere near so beautiful, of course.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably the nomad equivalent. Similar need.
DeleteVery colourful textiles (clothes , homes,bags) Was there any info on the dying and what makes their colours?
ReplyDeleteNo, he is a collector. They're not known for being knowledgeable. I've never found them with any interest in how the textiles come into being, just the end result.
ReplyDeleteA simple life. Doesn’t mean it’s not hard. But compared to all the stresses we have in our “modern society “ it looks so inviting
ReplyDeleteI like the concept of having only enough stuff including your house, that you can load everything twice a year, and change your surroundings.
DeleteI suppose that's where carpet bags originated. No, just looked it up. They originated in the States in the mid-nineteenth century.
ReplyDeleteYes, different tradition. Also look up caroet bagger -- political insult!
DeleteThey are so talented. Weaving as they walk! I can barely walk in a straightish line without concentrating. Such a different way of life.
ReplyDeleteI know people in my own life who can spin and knit and crochet as they walk. Me, I'm more in your group. Just walk, don't trip.
DeleteBeautiful photos. Such rich creations.
ReplyDeleteYes, just to wander through these scenes is great.
DeleteThey have a lifestyle we can only imagine. You'd think, with the hardships they endure, that they wouldn't have time to create such beauty. It's understandable though because they need something to counteract their environment.
ReplyDeleteThat's a sensitive response, yes, A hard life, lived with art.
DeleteBeautiful people. It occurs to me, once again, that women are the true artists, taking the most basic of objects and turning them into incredibly detailed and colorful and pleasing possessions.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. I need to find out more about their dyes, since the presenter didn't get into that.
DeleteOnce again you have broadened my horizons.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I'm glad you enjoy the reporting on textile arts.
DeleteSo sad to think these many other lifestyles are fading away all over the world.
ReplyDeleteThey are truly beautiful people who surround themselves with beautiful, practical treasures. :)
All the more important to celebrate them while we still have them, and learn from their skills.
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