Head covering 1945 - 1975

This woven head covering was made by Tai Daeng people, but we don’t know exactly when. Imagine the rhythm of the loom, the artist’s hands moving back and forth, interlacing threads to create these intricate patterns. There's a groundedness to this piece; the patient build-up of colours and shapes feels so considered. I love the way the bands of geometric motifs shift and change—diamonds stacked on top of diamonds. There are these little dashes of purple, green and orange which really catch the eye. I keep thinking about the fringes at the bottom, how they must swing and sway with movement, adding another layer of texture. It reminds me that art is a process of layering and building, one stitch at a time. It all makes me wonder how this object connects back to others like it, both past and present. I wonder what other forms of creativity the Tai Daeng people explored, and how those connect to mine. This object is a testament to the enduring power of art-making.