Kira c. 20th century

This incredible, anonymous Kira, which is at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is really something. Just look at it! The ochre ground and horizontal bands are a simple framework, but within them, like a secret code, are tiny, intricate patterns. Can you imagine the hours, maybe even years, this weaving took? The maker repeating these motifs, row after row, like a mantra or meditative exercise. I’m immediately drawn to the imperfections, those slight deviations from perfect symmetry. To me, that’s where the artist's hand really comes alive. Maybe it’s a sign of their mood that day or maybe it’s just a hiccup in the process, but it reminds us that this is a human creation. This piece feels less like something that was meticulously planned and more like something that grew organically. It’s a reminder that artmaking is not just about the end result, but also about the journey, the labor, and the connection between the artist and their medium.