Nakshi Kantha (Tablecloth-) c. 20th century

Editor: So, this is a Nakshi Kantha, a tablecloth made of cotton, likely from the 20th century. It’s covered in these embroidered scenes in such vibrant colours. It feels very celebratory, almost like a storybook. What stories do you see here? Curator: I see layers of women's narratives woven into this textile. Kanthas like this were traditionally made by women in Bengal, often repurposing old cloth and imbuing them with personal stories, family histories, and their hopes for the future. They provide insights into the lived experiences of women, in their own voices, bypassing the dominant patriarchal narratives. Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn’t considered it as a form of personal expression, but it makes sense now. The different panels… are those common themes? Curator: They are! Common motifs include scenes from daily life, folklore, and religious beliefs, often centered around birth, marriage, and other significant life events. Think of the red not just as a colour but perhaps as a deliberate act of resistance against imposed silences. Considering that women’s voices were often suppressed, creating something so vibrant and visible was no small act. Don’t you think that its placement in the home elevated the status of women and their roles within the community? Editor: It does put it into perspective. So this wasn’t just a tablecloth; it was a space for Bengali women to express themselves. It recontextualizes something that I assumed to be everyday. I love learning new approaches! Curator: Exactly, objects like this challenge us to rethink what constitutes “art” and whose stories get told, preserved, and celebrated. I am happy you are so engaged!