Textile fragment 16th-17th century

This textile fragment, now residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is adorned with rows of fantastical creatures woven into a deep red ground. These composite beings, part bird and part beast, echo similar motifs found across diverse cultures, symbolizing power and guardianship. The griffin-like figures, their forms both familiar and strange, evoke ancient protective spirits. We can see their echoes in the winged bulls of Mesopotamia or the fierce griffins guarding treasures in Greek mythology. Over time, these symbols have migrated, transforming with each cultural encounter, yet retaining a core essence of protection. Here, the repeating pattern suggests a talismanic function, a rhythmic chanting of symbolic guardians against unseen threats. The collective memory of such protective figures resonates deeply, tapping into primal fears and hopes, offering reassurance through the depiction of powerful, benevolent beings. This connection transcends time, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of our shared human desire for safety and guidance. These symbols and motifs, like cultural echoes, never truly fade but resurface, transformed, across the ages.