The Language of Weaving tapestries

Last May Fair Fabrics presented its latest project ‘The Language of Weaving’ during OBJECT Rotterdam.

Forms of language

With the project ‘ The language of weaving’ we want to investigate whether we can find a suitable way to connect even better between end-user and artisan. By providing more insight into these forms of language, we remove boundaries, and can better read and understand cultural identity. The Language Of Weaving is not scientific research, but a way to connect the worlds on an equal level and to exchange insights.

Artisan specialists

Berber weavers are artisans with many years of experience, but they are also often illiterate. They process important events and experiences through symbols and colours in the rug they weave.

Symbolism

The form of language designs are intensely personal and must be interpreted with care. They often work with the symbols of love, nature, birth and happiness. But also stories in the form of personal convictions and life in the countryside are incorporated into the rugs. The form of language includes, for example, magic numbers and squares, verses from the Quran, Arabic script, geometric shapes, as well as references to the animal and vegetable kingdoms.

Tradition

The history of Berber motifs goes back hundreds of years. It is unknown whether the earliest designs were used on the body in the form of tattoos, or on material objects such as rugs, leather objects or carvings. However, the long tradition of this form of language is still an integral part of the culture of North African countries, and not just in the Berber-majority regions.

Online shop

For the first phase of the project, we have developed 4 rugs together with the artisan weavers, in which the different shapes, possible techniques and various designs have been applied. All copies from this 1st phase of the project are for sale in our online shop, they are all suitable for both the wall and the floor.

Concept & design ‘The Language of Weaving’: Karlijne Brand in collaboration with Fair Fabrics.

Light and installation : Marco Broeders Co2RO