Skirt or loin cloth c. 20th century

This skirt or loin cloth was made by Mru people, and the making of it is a form of art and inquiry. The deep indigo fields at the top and bottom create such a grounding effect to the bright busy patterns in the middle. I imagine the artist patiently weaving in the X and O shapes across the cloth, maybe thinking about the cycles of life, the ‘X’ could be birth or beginning, the ‘O’ an ending, a death or completion. So much human energy is involved! What does the maker think about when they’re making it? You know, you're there in your body, you're using your hands, but your mind is somewhere else, wandering off. It reminds me of some of the quilts made by the Gee's Bend quilters: objects made with a clear function but so beautiful they transcend usefulness. It also feels related to Agnes Martin’s grids, where the handmade wobbles give the piece all its feeling. The history of textiles is a history of humans! We touch it, we wear it, we live with it. It’s an ongoing conversation across time.