Woman's bag c. 20th century

This small woven bag by a Maya artist, now at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a beautiful and functional piece of art. The red, green, white, and blue stripes create a vibrant, rhythmic pattern, almost like a musical score made of colors. Looking closely, you can see the texture of the woven threads, each one carefully placed to build up the design. I love how the tassels at the top add a playful element, like little bursts of energy. The red feels dominant, assertive, and the other colors dance around it, creating a sense of movement and joy. Thinking about weaving, it's about structure and repetition but within that there's still room for improvisation and the artist’s hand to make its mark. This bag reminds me of the work of Anni Albers, another artist who elevated weaving to a fine art. Both show us how art can be found in the everyday, and how the simplest materials can be transformed into something extraordinary.