Man's poncho c. 20th century

This man's poncho was woven by someone from the Quechua people. Look at the deep shades of maroon, broken up by linear bands of warm yellows, reds, and blues. I imagine this poncho being made—the weaver carefully choosing each color, each thread, with intention. What would it have been like to sit at the loom, feeling the tension of the threads, the weight of the wool, as the pattern slowly emerged? The stripes resonate. They are simple gestures, yet so powerful. Like brushstrokes, each one communicates something about the weaver's inner state, their connection to the earth, to their community. It's an ongoing conversation between materials, maker, and the world around them. Think of Anni Albers and her textiles, and the rich history of weaving as a form of visual expression. It reminds us that artists are always in conversation with one another, across time and cultures, constantly inspiring new forms of creativity.