Prestige Hat (Ashetu) c. mid 20th century

This prestige hat, or Ashetu, was carefully made by an anonymous maker using fiber. Look at how the concentric circles of color draw the eye, from the star at the very top, right out to the edge, this is a maker who knows exactly what they are doing! There's something about the texture, right? It's not just visual; you can almost feel the give of the fabric, the little bobbles and tufts begging to be touched. Those blues, reds and creams, aren't just pretty; they're like a secret code, each stitch a tiny decision, each color a little feeling. I particularly love the way the loops of blue create depth; it reminds me of the process of painting, how the artist builds the layers, each one informing the last. It brings to mind the work of contemporary fiber artists like Sheila Hicks, who also explore color and form through weaving. It's like a conversation across time and cultures, each artist adding their voice to the ongoing story of art. It’s a story that keeps on unfolding!