What Are Suzanis, and Why They AreSo Popular in South Africa
Suzani is a textile and weaving method that has roots in South Africa and is known for its intricate &breathtaking designs. The suzanis have great significance in the region as many prayer mats are made from them,and so areother everyday items. It is categorised as an embroidered textile that belongs to tribes in the region across Asia and South Africa. It is unique and has its roots believed to be in Fargana Valley,whichis spread across Kyrgyzstan, eastern Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The term has its roots in the Persian language,meaningneedlework.
Suzani is an artwork that narrates the enduring story of a mother’s affection for her daughters and the piece of cloth they have prepared with much adoration to bring happiness, safety, and prosperity to her married daughter’s life. It is widely known as a dowry piece in the South African region. The artwork is a legacy passed on from the mother to her daughter as soon as she reaches the age where secrets of the craft can be taught to her. Suzanishave incredible significance in various regions and are regarded as part of a‘herstory’.
The artwork is known for its bright and vivid colours, intricate designs, and original patterns inspired by the legacy passed on from generation to generation. The importance of Suzaniis linked to the belief that the artwork bears magic that is weaved into it.This is considering the affection and care with which the mothers and the grandmothers make those artworks. The piece of clothing is said to have talismanic and protective powers to it that guard and protects the newly wedded daughter all her life.
The artworks on Suzanis also feature ample Persian concepts. The floral designs take inspiration from and referencethe Islamic paradise gardens. Artworks on these marvellous textilesare usually left with a defect to highlight that people are not perfect and that we are all beautiful despite our faults.
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