Weaving Stories

Weaving Stories

Monday, August 1, 2016

Looms looms looms

Image from http://www.jordanjubilee.com/gallery/bedouin.htm

The core of Weaving Stories is the loom - it is the foundation for all of the inspiration this project draws on. The sadu weaving of Kuwait is unique because of their particular loom, which literally shaped the cloth that continues to inspire. Historically, these looms were a direct part of the nomadic Bedouin culture. They had to be transportable, easy to set up, and able to weave meters upon meters of cloth for the tents and other household objects needed for life in the desert. They were originally simple structures, made of steel rods, sticks, and rocks. The rods were pounded into the desert floor and the sticks were placed on the outside of these rods to hold the fibers under tension. There are few photos of these looms, so you can imagine what it looked like to have the oranges, reds, browns, and cream of the warp and cloth stretched out on the desert floor.



Now, the nomadic life of the Bedouin has transferred to one more stationary, so these looms have evolved. Sadu House has several versions that the weavers use today, the most common and liked is one of steel, welded together. It has the same function, position on the floor, but limits the weaver on the length they are able to weave.
Weavers from the Sadu House

Weaving was a part of the community, and the weaving of elaborate and large scale cloth was one not solely done by an individual, but several women coming together. With this vision in mind, we are taking the inspiration from the looms, creating two unique and interactive works.













Here are sneak peeks at what is in the works!
Some inspiration for the large scale "Woven" Tent Divider
A new approach to the loom that will give you a chance to weave!



Friday, July 29, 2016

Weaving Stories, an initiative launched by Beit Al Sadu

Since 1978, Beit Al Sadu has focused on preserving and supporting the woven cloth of the Bedouin known as sadu.  Under the patronage and vision of Sheikha Altaf Al-Sabah the aim of Beit al Sadu is to "promote and to celebrate Kuwait’s cultural and textile heritage. To tell the story of the land. To speak the languages of the arts … of the soul … "


This year, Beit Al Sadu will reimagine the role of weaving in our contemporary
culture through an initiative called Weaving Stories. This initiative will provide a platform to develop ways to bridge Beit Al Sadu and its weavers with the contemporary culture of Kuwait. In November, Weaving Stories will launch with an interactive exhibition that will collaborate with artists, organizations, and the local community. 


Stay tuned to this blog for more information as we highlight the development of this project and how the local and international community are coming together to create it!

Weaving Stories
Al Shaheed Park, November 7th - 13th, 2016
* Events will include an opening reception, workshops for children and adults, storytelling program, and more