Vintage African Tapestry Textile Weaving "Tree of Life", South Africa circa 1985

An enormous vintage African tapestry textile weaving titled "Tree of Life" from South Africa circa 1985. This textile is extraordinary both for its scale and its intricate design. The three dimensional quality is impressive as the woven cloth background supports the fully hand knotted pattern chosen in its material to resemble elephant hairs traditionally woven into bracelets that represent longevity as well as harmony between nature and the heavens. In this tapestry the single strands are woven into larger vertical sections that extend the full height in a repeated pattern from left to right. In the centre the tree motif is fully apparent and is flanked by vertical columns of loose strands of stylized elephant hairs. The left and right sections are more slender versions of the same pattern and agin are separated by the vertical columns. There is an aesthetic balance in the rhythm from tightly knotted to loose and flowing that relates to the passage of time in life as well as its necessary structure. The richness of the tawny African orange colour seen in the background seen in both the rising and setting sun is contrasted with a deep dark brown glossiness used for the actual woven areas that extend forward away from the cloth. This change in both colour and texture provides the visual and experiential power of this unique tribal work that was woven by hand. Textile or fiber weavings have a long history in Africa and remain vibrant in the indigelous communities today. The end of the twentieth century into the present has seen an explosion of this arts importance and influence across the globe.