Showing posts with label textile motifs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label textile motifs. Show all posts
Textiles and the Multi-Tiered Cosmos:
In order to prove that Textiles are associated with shamanism, my next task is to show how they are related to the multi-tiered cosmos. So far, we've seen how weaving itself can be an induction method to altered states of consciousness (ASC) and how ASC and entoptic images are precursors to a belief in a multi-tiered cosmos (underworld/this world/world of spirits), which is the basis of shamanism and (arguably) all later spiritual practices. We've also seen that entoptic images are ubiquitous in textiles from all over the world. Some may argue that since entoptic imagery is a product of the human nervous system, this does not necessarily indicate that the weavers engaged in any type of ASC or spiritual activity. And they'd be right! Of particular contention is the link between shamanism and phosphenes/entoptics. Bednarik points out that although all humans use phosphenes daily, "that does not make us shamans!" (Bednarik 1990, 79). But if we can see depictions of a multi-tiered cosmos (the result of ASC and entoptic experience), we come that much closer to making an association between textile production and shamanism.
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| Tai Daeng Shaman doing his thing. |
The prehistory of textiles: Paleolithic
Textile production is one of the most ancient arts and is one of the most important factors in the survival of our species. Awls and eyed needles for sewing hides began to appear over 70,000 years ago. Amazing!
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