Fabric amulets guard against misfortune
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Quilts and patchwork take center stage in the wedding ceremony
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Patchwork graces household textiles, from clothing to bedding
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Rich materials contribute to dynamic designs
Fabric amulets guard against misfortune
Quilts and patchwork take center stage in the wedding ceremony
Patchwork graces household textiles, from clothing to bedding
Rich materials contribute to dynamic designs
... is home to a rich history of patchwork and quilting.
In this region of diverse people, cultures, and landscapes, the act of sewing pieces of fabric together can be both sacred and commonplace. Central Asian people have long utilized talismans to guard against illness and malevolent spirits, and these protective objects have often taken the form of fabric amulets—including patchwork and quilts. And much like in other parts of the world, these colorful and meaningful textiles help celebrate and mark both momentous and mundane occasions in family and community life. Come discover the beauty and history of this diverse region's pieced and quilted textiles.
The text by Christine Martens is adapted from the IQSCM catalog, Sacred Scraps: Quilt and Patchwork Traditions of Central Asia
 Across Central Asia, people place fabric scraps in trees and bushes in order to ward off evil spirits. They use patchwork in much the same way. |
 Patchwork and quilts are part of every stage of life in Central Asia, from birth to marriage to death. |
 Women make patchwork items for their dowry, which can include pillows, mattresses, quilts, table cloths, and clothing for the whole family. |
 Central Asian patchwork showcases the bold fabrics of the region as well as a range of repeating geometric shapes, making it both fresh and familiar to outside audiences. |