Baby's jacket c. 1990

This baby’s jacket was made by a Dong artist, probably in China, out of silk. The pattern might seem purely decorative, but in many cultures textiles are key to understanding social structures. The process of making textiles can be very labor intensive, and the designs often carry symbolic meanings, signifying status or beliefs. We can tell it's from China by its style of dress; the jacket closes with a side fastening. The Dong are known for their skills in weaving and embroidery, and their textiles often feature complex geometric patterns like the diamond shapes we see here. In the absence of further information, we can still appreciate how the jacket reflects the ingenuity and cultural values of its makers. Looking at examples of Dong weaving and learning about their cultural traditions would help us understand the role of textiles in their society. Considering how clothing functions as a signifier of identity and belonging, this object can tell us more than we might think.