Together with Christine Martens you will examine and discuss the large-scale tent embroideries (tush ki’iz and tus ki’iz) of the Kyrgyz and Kazakhs, who were historically nomadic pastoralists. These textiles were the focal point of the nomadic felt trellis tent (yurt), where every occupant and object had its place according to tradition. We will view a number of interior tent images to further understand the role of textile and space within the tent, as found in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Northwest China.

Sale of Christine Martens’s ethnographic collection, including Uzbek ikat and suzani embroideries, Kyrgyz and Kazakh embroideries, antique Turkmen coats (velvet, silk, cotton), hats, silk shawls, Yomut embroidered trouser cuffs, Syrian silk embroidered coats, Sind embroidered silk bokcha, Orissa weavings, Timor ceremonial ikat cape, American quilts and more.

Christine Martens is an Independent researcher of Turkic peoples of Central Asia, Uyghurs of NW China (textiles and traditions) supported by Fulbright, IREX, Asian Cultural Council, MFA in Fiber, Artist grants from NYFA and New Jersey state council on the arts