Textiles have often been used to communicate information and messages and are still used to do so today, t-shirts, ties and tea towels being just a few examples. The messages may be presented through the cut and quality of the fabric or through word, image or symbol. These are added to the textile using a range of techniques from embroidery to painting and from screen printing to weaving in.
Buffalo robe
This buffalo robe was probably painted by its owner, a member of the Blackfoot nation, and depicts his war exploits. It was made in North America before 1868, and could have been worn or used as a blanket.
See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/buffalo-robe/1QGDVARRHsE0HATextile of Artemis and Actaeon
This tapestry, made in Egypt in the AD 300s, is probably a wall hanging. It depicts goddess of the hunt Artemis and Actaeon. According to Greek myth, Actaeon was transformed into a deer, and mistakenly killed by Artemis.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=162137&partId=1&searchText=textile+of+artemis&page=1Ramayana
This cotton cloth has been dyed and painted to show showing the battle between Rāma and Ravaṇa that marks the climax of the Ramayana, an epic Indian story of good and evil that is a Hindu holy text. This example was made I India in the 17th century.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=266017&partId=1&searchText=battle+cloth&page=1Panel of embroidery
This panel of English embroidery was made around AD 1310 – 40, and was probably worn by a priest. Scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary are embroidered in gold, silver and coloured silk threads.
See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/panel-of-embroidery/QAFBox8qTTrt6AThe Battle of Adwa
This oil painting on cotton cloth depicts the Battle of Adwa fought between Ethiopia and Italy in 1896. The Emperor and Empress of Ethiopia are shown leading their armies to victory as Saint George, the patron saint of Ethiopia, watches over the battlefield.
See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/search?q=battele%20of%20adwaThe Overlord Embroidery
The Overlord Embroidery was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and depicts the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.
© Portsmouth City Council
See more See more: https://theddaystory.com/discover/overlord-embroidery/