Shoulder strap late 19th-early 20th century

Here we see a shoulder strap made of red fiber, its origins unknown, now residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The vibrant red is a visual motif, resonating with power and status, and it appears across cultures as an emblem of vitality. Consider its echoes in ancient Roman military attire, where red cloaks symbolized authority, or even in Renaissance paintings where the color denoted wealth and importance. Tassels, often adorning ceremonial objects and garments, are seen as symbols of power and prestige. The strap’s form evokes a sense of enclosure and connection. We can connect this motif to other artworks across time and space in which it reappears, evolving and shifting in meaning through history. Just as the serpent Ouroboros consumes its tail, so, too, does our subconscious weave through symbols, binding us to a non-linear understanding of human expression. This strap engages us on a subconscious level, a powerful force evoking deep emotional states tied to authority and tradition. Thus, the significance of this shoulder strap isn't merely its function but its place within an ancient, cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving, with layers of cultural and emotional weight.