International Folk Art Market – 12 Years in Santa Fe In Santa Fe , we have many art events: opera, concerts, ballet and gallery openings.  One of the most impressive (and fun to attend) is the International Folk Art Market and related activities held yearly on the Milner Plaza at Museum Hill.  It has become…

Today let us look at two textile fibers from the Philippines: Abaca and Pina The abaca plant (Musa textiles),  a species of banana is native to the region and grows naturally.  Strong, coarse fibers are extracted from the large oblong leaves and stems.  The leaves grow from the trunk of the plant and the base…

Today let us look at two textile fibers from the Philippines: Abaca and Pina The abaca plant (Musa textiles),  a species of banana is native to the region and grows naturally.  Strong, coarse fibers are extracted from the large oblong leaves and stems.  The leaves grow from the trunk of the plant and the base…

Polynesia 2 Last week I spoke of the feathered cloaks of Polynesia, specifically, New Zealand.  I mentioned that while there are many similarities in the cultures of the various island groups within this region, each nation has developed their individual identity.  Today we return to the Maori Arts Gallery in Wellington, New Zealand to see…

Polynesia 2 Last week I spoke of the feathered cloaks of Polynesia, specifically, New Zealand.  I mentioned that while there are many similarities in the cultures of the various island groups within this region, each nation has developed their individual identity.  Today we return to the Maori Arts Gallery in Wellington, New Zealand to see…

Feathered Cloaks of Polynesia Throughout the islands that are part of  Polynesia there are many commonalities, although each island (or island group) may differ somewhat in their customs.  One textile of remarkable beauty is the feathered cloak, but found only in Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand cultures.  In Hawaii, feathered cloaks denoted rank as the…