Belt c. 20th century

This "Belt" was carefully crafted by an anonymous artist and now resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Belts have historically been associated with control, from chastity belts to securing the waistline. Consider, then, the implications of who creates and wears such an object. When the maker remains anonymous, there's an intriguing disruption of the power dynamic. What traditions and stories are woven into the textile? The patterns hint at cultural motifs, perhaps from East Asia. What narratives do these patterns tell, and how do they reflect on societal structures such as class and status? The delicate fringe at the bottom adds a tactile dimension, inviting contemplation on its aesthetic value. Although the artist's identity is lost to history, this belt nonetheless communicates across time, inviting us to consider the intersections of labor, identity, and cultural exchange.