| slouw@global.co.za
An interesting SALON, dominated by a discussion of specific weavings
rather than the wedding ceremony itself. Whilst reluctant to link any
weavings specifically to the wedding or dowry, most participants agreed
that certain weavings were produced primarily or exclusively for
ceremonial purposes, and that these would then be used in different
ceremonies or for special occasions. In addition to kapunuk's and tent
bands, the ok bash was discussed extensively, although participants are no
closer to agreeing on the spelling, pronunciation or purpose of these
interesting weavings. Although, as was pointed out to my embarrassment,
suzani are not strictly Turkmen weavings, the production of ceremonial
embroidery in Central Asia was also reviewed. Here the most interesting
observation concerned the family dynamics involved in the production of
main and filler elements on "wedding suzani". |