Suzani c. late 19th century

This Suzani, an embroidered textile, was likely made in Uzbekistan, although we can't know the specific date or maker. Suzanis like this were traditionally made by Central Asian women. The visual codes we see here—the sun-like discs, the paisley motifs, and the floral patterns—are all cultural references, and the use of specific colors and patterns may reflect local or tribal traditions. Given that they were often made as dowries, we might consider the role of women in Uzbek society. Suzanis were not just decorative, they were also symbolic objects. For example, they may have been believed to have protective or fertility-enhancing properties. As historians, we can turn to ethnographic studies and historical records to better understand the social conditions that shaped the creation and use of Suzanis. Looking at the meaning of art as something contingent on social and institutional context allows us to appreciate its complexity.