Shirt collar c. 20th century

Curator: This striking “Shirt Collar” comes from the Red Yao people and dates to the 20th century. We see an example of fibre art employing cotton textiles with weaving techniques. It currently resides here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: It feels powerful, like a visual manifesto condensed into a geometric language. There's a quiet strength to the patterns, each line deliberately placed. I'm struck by its earth tones and how they soften the rigid shapes, bringing warmth and a groundedness to this collar. Curator: The piece falls into the Pattern and Decoration art movement. This movement saw artists intentionally incorporating decorative elements, often in a rebellion against the stark minimalism that dominated the art world for so long. One can consider this piece a fascinating example of Asian art that reflects an ongoing tension between cultural identity and contemporary expression. Editor: Given that this piece functioned as a collar, what were some of the social and cultural contexts around clothing for the Red Yao community during the 20th century? How did an individual identify with their heritage and community? And what meaning did decoration play in the performance of these identities? Curator: It’s also essential to see these symbols not just as decorative, but as vessels of meaning, perhaps tied to origin myths, social status, or ritual practices. The geometry of the patterns mirrors similar design systems in Red Yao cosmology. Do you see anything there? Editor: I think you make an important point. These textile traditions carry so much historical weight. The meander pattern, for example, repeated in those bordered blocks reminds us of the ever-winding path of history, constantly repeating, but also always moving forward. There's a dialogue between history and motion. Curator: That's insightful. Recognizing these repeating historical patterns allows us to engage in conversation across time, linking cultural memory and lived reality. Thanks for these thoughtful impressions, I am excited to let others engage with this collar. Editor: Indeed, may it encourage us to consider how art not only adorns, but communicates volumes about who we are and where we've been. Thank you.