Ancestors and Your Journey

Textiles are conduits through which tradition is continued and passed on to the next generation. Weavers feel they have an obligation to transmit the knowledge of traditional weaving as their mothers and grandmothers did before them. Thus, weaving becomes a way to honour previous generations of weavers and to keep the ancestral wisdom alive.

These images of Atoni ancestor motifs stacked one on top of the other is a reminder of our lineage and responsibilities. Traditional people in the communities Threads of Life works with speak of their obligation to their ancestors in how they should behave; character matters, taking care of family and kin groups matters, taking care of the land matters, living in harmony matters.

This mud dyed textile would take up to 3 months to make. Hang it on a wall or use as a bed throw or wrap yourself up in it on a chilly night and reflect on your own ancestors journey that informs your own.

Information about the makers will be supplied with each cloth.
Warp ikat, three panels stitched together, twisted fringe commercial cotton, natural dyes. Ikat tied, dyed and woven in Amanuban, Timor, 2016. Size 207 x 92 cm / 81.5 x 36 in