Exhibition showcasing traditional textiles of Latin America

A unique display showcasing the various textiles and weaving techniques of countries belonging to the group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), was inaugurated at 'The National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum', in New Delhi, recently.

The exhibition features traditional textiles made by, mostly, women in Latin America and the Caribbean region. A magnificent collection of over 70 pieces narrates the combined rich cultural heritage of these nations.

Inaugurated by Aashna Kanhai, Ambassador of Suriname, the display serves to highlight traditional attires. During her speech at the well-attended inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Kanhai acknowledged the combined efforts of GRULAC in conceptualising the joint exhibition of textiles, and specially thanked Melba Pría, Ambassador of Mexico for the opportunity to make this collaboration a reality. She also shared an explanation of the Koto, a traditional dress from the Afro-Surinamese women and delivered a brief history of the traditions of textile by the Mayan weavers who were not only part of an advanced civilization of Central and North America, but also had a good sense of fashion.

Ambassador Kanhai reiterated the fact that the textiles are not bound by geographies but by traditions, in that the Mayan women weavers could easily make one believe in the sense of similarity with weavers of India. She declared the exhibition open by stating, "The cultural dichotomy between the Latin American and Caribbean region and India will linger in your imagination at this exhibition".

Curated by Shruthi Issac, the exhibit will remain on display for the public until April 8, 2018.