A kaleidoscope of fabrics from across the globe.
In many parts of the world, textiles are a vital element of culture. Sometimes they have ancient stories woven into their patterns. Sometimes they incorporate rare natural fibers. Sometimes they’re produced using millennia-old methods passed down along generations. And other times, they’re just really pretty.
But as cheap mass-produced fabrics flood local markets around the world, there is a growing devaluation of textile arts. And because it’s becoming more and more difficult to make a living from textile work, artists are passing away without passing down their knowledge while younger generations pursue more lucrative industries.
This collection of photos showcases a sampling of the most beautiful traditional textiles from around the globe. This is an art in desperate need of preservation.
(above) Saris, New Delhi, India
Woven Blankets, Urubamba, Peru
Indonesian Handwoven Textiles, Bali, Indonesia
Tartan Plaid Wool Fabric, Nova Scotia, Canada
Inca Patterns, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Vintage Angelo Testa fabric, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California
Meghwal Veil, Bhirandiara, India
Knit Jacket, Oakland, California
Traditional Textiles, West Timor, Indonesia
Handmade Textiles, Lakiya, South Israel
Woven Textiles at De Ploeg, Netherlands
Wool Throw, Liverpool, England
Wet-Felted Merino Wool, Norway
Handwoven Silk Ikat, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Handmade Textiles by Narda Capuyan, Philippines
Cath Kidston Retro Fabrics, London, England
Hand-Stamped Silk Batik, Java, Indonesia
Handwoven Wool Termeh, Yazd Province, Iran
Traditional Fabric Patterns, Ghana
Tie Dyed Fabrics, Baishah, China
Tela tipica, Guatemala
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