Woman's Headdress c. 20th century

This Woman’s Headdress, residing in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a marvel of textile work by an unknown artist. The headdress itself is made from what looks to be a very fine woven material, carefully dyed and sewn. The yellow sections, like bursts of sunshine, catch your eye against the black. It’s incredible how texture plays a role here, isn't it? The yellow stripes have this slightly raised, almost corduroy-like feel, contrasting with the smooth black fabric that dominates most of the piece. This makes you wonder about the maker's process. What tools did they use to create such variance in the texture, and how did they achieve this visual vibration with such simple lines? Look at how the maker has employed the red outline around each section; it almost reads like it's been quickly sketched with a marker pen. There's something about this piece that reminds me of a Sheila Hicks weaving, both tap into a primal language of shape and color. This headdress isn’t just an item; it's a conversation, an echo of shared creativity across time and cultures. Art is a way of thinking and seeing, and I like the fact that we'll never know the true intention of the piece.