The Woven Art and Symbolism of the nomadic tribes of Iran and Afghanistan
The lecturer draws on his experience of living amongst the nomads of Iran and his travels throughout the Near East and Afghanistan. The journey begins in Outer Mongolia in the 5th century BC and follows the 11th century migrations from Central Asia, the cradle of weaving, into the Caucasus, Anatolia, Persia and Afghanistan. The nomadic tribes of these countries and their woven rugs, carpets and dowry bags demonstrate the skill of the women who produced exquisite works of woven art in primitive living conditions and hostile landscapes. Using vegetable colours and ancient designs, including cosmic and talismanic symbols, a woven ‘language’ which has linked countless women over thousands of years, these rugs and bags represent the pinnacle of achievement in tribal weaving and are highly desirable and collectable works of woven art.
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Monday 11 April 2016 at 16:30
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Venue: Salon Varietés Theatre, Fuengirola
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Lecturer: Brian Macdonald
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Our Patron: Fernando Gil Martinez
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Members: No charge (included in Membership Fees)
Non-Members: 10 Euro Pay at Door
About the Lecturer
Brian Macdonald is a dealer and consultant in antique oriental rugs and carpets since 1979. Author of ‘Tribal Rugs’ (1997) re-printed 2010. He is one of few western dealers to have lived and worked among tribal groups in remote areas of Iran and Afghanistan during the 1970s and then again, after the Iranian Revolution, in the 1990s. In 1990 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society for his work amongst the Persian tribes.
