QUILT OF ANTIQUE TIBETAN WOOL CHUBA APRONS!!! UNIQUE (07/10/2009)...

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QUILT OF ANTIQUE TIBETAN WOOL CHUBA APRONS!!! UNIQUE!!!

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QUILT OF ANTIQUE TIBETAN WOOL CHUBA APRONS!!! UNIQUE!!!

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Sold Date: 07/10/2009
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

This rug, or wall-hanging measures about 44 1/2 inches by 28 inches. The back is covered with a layer of black cotton and has two pockets sewn into the top for a rod to hang it by if you want to display it on a wall. The pattern of this one represents two ranges of mountains. Notice that the squares making up the quilt are not perfect. Also, it was made from antique textiles, so t may be some small flaws.

Please read the following paragraphs to truly understand what this work of art is!!!

AUTHENTIC HIMALAYAN TEXTILES

Bringing the good work from the past into the future

Works by Pasang Lama, Boudanath , Nepal .

Wall hangings from textiles from Tibetan and Himalayan villages and states. The materials used are antique and more than 60 years old.

The life of ancient Tibetan nomads started the tradition of Himalayan textiles. Tibet is inhabited by many indigenous groups. This collection of distinct and varied groups is unified under the philosophy of Buddhism and makes up what is seen as Tibetan culture. Each of these groups has a nomadic heritage that is the resource of their culture. Life on the Himalayan plateau requires close connection with the earth and the animals that inhabit the area. The nomads domesticated the animals and provided them with care. The animals provided the nomad with clothing and shelter in the form of wool. Each spring the animals would run through thorn bushes to discard their unwanted heavy undercoats. The nomads went into the thickets and carefully removed the wool that was discarded by the animals. Simple offerings from nature would be transformed into gifts of affection and devotion. The best weavings would be offered to the high lamas of the village and each family would be adorned in woven woolen textiles, especially aprons worn by the women.

Tribal Patterns

The textiles took on the colors and patterns and textures endemic to the region. The relationship between place and pattern existed until the 1960’s when the availability of inexpensive synthetic textiles from China replaced these centuries old traditions of clothing. The textiles were abandoned and discarded. These antique works of art are now being collected. These aprons are the literal and metaphorical fabric that held the kingdom of Tibet together when it was once a sovereign nation. The cloth breathes with this history.

Recycled Renditions

These historical artifacts have found new life. The artist carefully cuts sections from each damaged apron to begin each piece. Most artists are able to open a tube of paint or soften a lump of clay, but this medium must be collected for months. When everything has been culled from the aprons to make these quilted pieces each individual thread is removed and separated based on the color. These threads are then used to create carpets of incredible hue and history that require years of work and patience. When the last remaining fibers and dust are left on the weaver’s floor they are gatd and felted into back warmers and given to the elderly people in the community.

Grassroots Aid

The art in itself offers an amazing story but t is much more to be told. Pasang is a soul that has found peace in his work. He has transformed a small house near Boudanath into a pleasant garden and studio. Boudanath is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage areas in Nepal . Sherpas and Tibetans have been converging on Kathmandu for centuries. Pasang opens his home to these nomadic people and offers them food, lodging and work. These 21 st century pilgrims contribute to the project and bring the sacred nomadic existence back into the art. The remaining months of the year he employs local tailors and pays for their children to attend school. This grass roots aid project is the kind of thing that is needed in Nepal as they build their economy, country and their democracy. It will be business models like Pasang’s that will breathe the life back into the coun...