Fragment Mamluk period (1250–1517), 15th century

This textile fragment, crafted by an anonymous hand, presents us with a series of geometric patterns woven into its fabric. Note the repeated lozenge motifs. These diamond shapes, echoing across cultures and ages, symbolize varied concepts, from fertility and the earth in ancient agricultural societies to protection against evil. One sees similar forms embellishing pottery in ancient Greece, and adorning the robes of medieval nobility, each iteration subtly shifting in significance yet retaining a deep-seated resonance. The persistence of these patterns hints at the psychoanalytic idea of a collective unconscious. Certain shapes and forms seem to tap into primal aspects of human cognition, evoking a sense of connection to something much larger than oneself. It's as if, through these symbols, the past whispers to the present. Such motifs are never truly static. Instead, they continually resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, woven into the intricate tapestry of human culture.