Zadeltas, dubbel, versierd met rasterwerk waarbinnen hakenkruisbloemen c. 1800 - 1975

Editor: Here we have what's titled "Zadeltas, dubbel, versierd met rasterwerk waarbinnen hakenkruisbloemen," a woven textile saddlebag from the Jaffi people, dating from approximately 1800 to 1975. It’s densely patterned and feels almost… tactile. What stands out to you about it? Curator: The materiality is definitely key. Consider the labor involved in its production. The weaving process itself, the gathering and potentially dyeing of the fibers… it speaks to a deep engagement with the local environment and the skills passed down through generations within the Jaffi community. What do you notice about the "hakenkruisbloemen", the swastika-like motifs? Editor: They're contained within this intricate grid. It's interesting to see such a loaded symbol presented in what feels like a very different cultural context. Curator: Precisely. Before its appropriation by the Nazis, the swastika was a widely used symbol, often representing good fortune. Its inclusion here challenges a purely Western, post-World War II understanding. How does the fact that it’s part of a functional object - a saddlebag - influence your reading? Editor: That it's not *just* decorative really makes a difference. It’s something meant to be used, to serve a purpose within daily life. The act of using the saddlebag, the movement of it on an animal, makes me think about the circulation of both goods and ideas. Curator: Exactly. It's crucial to understand art's connection to everyday life, its function within a specific community and how cultural exchange shapes material production. This saddlebag shows us that there are no clear divisions between high art, craft, and social practice. Editor: Thinking about it as part of the exchange makes you think differently, rather than focusing only on its design. Curator: Absolutely. Analyzing the materials, the labor, and the use of the saddlebag gives us a far more layered interpretation of its cultural significance. Editor: I'm beginning to appreciate how much history and meaning are woven, literally, into the object.