At torba ilgich late 19th-early 20th century

This is a Torba Ilgich made by a Lakai artist. These tent bags were created by women from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as a signifier of their expertise, knowledge, and artistry. The bright red ground on which the octagonal and triangular shapes float indicates that it was made in the highlands region. The Ilgich served as a storage unit within the home, but it also provided valuable information to the viewer. A woman’s skills in the domestic realm, specifically weaving and embroidery, ensured a home’s comfort and prosperity. The patterns are not happenstance; instead, they are a careful combination of clan symbols and family iconography. The placement of certain colors can even signal a family’s political position or religious views. Understanding the historical context is important to art interpretation. By exploring historical and ethnographic studies of Central Asia, we can learn about the lives of the women who made and used these beautiful and utilitarian objects.