Head shawl c. 1950 - 1960

This 'Head Shawl' of unknown date, by an anonymous artist, captivates with its vibrant color and symmetrical design. The overwhelming impression is the colour red, a dense, all-encompassing field that both excites and grounds the composition. Horizontally, the piece is segmented into distinct bands, delineated by thin, gold-like stripes. These stripes create a rhythmic pattern. A striking border adorned with geometric shapes frames the central field of red. This structured approach gives a sense of order and balance. Yet, the lack of a clearly defined origin or artist destabilizes traditional art-historical narratives. The 'Head Shawl' challenges the concepts of authorship and artistic intention. Its aesthetic power resides in its inherent form, which creates meaning through geometric organisation rather than narrative content. Therefore, the shawl asks us to consider how meaning can arise from structure alone, independent of historical context.