Sam Bowker Provides Context For The Tentmakers of Cairo

The Tentmakers of Cairo

We’ve just returned from a visit to the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles to hear Dr. Sam Bowker present a lecture* on the history of the tentmakers of Cairo. Our quilting friends have perhaps heard of the tentmakers of Cairo or even been fortunate enough to see one of the tents in person at a quilt show. What do tents have to do with quilting? It’s a case of a tent is not just a tent. The inside of the tent is covered with hand-stitched ornamentation.

 

We sat enthralled as Dr. Bowker gave a historical overview of the development of this decorative appliqué textile form called khayamiya. There is also a documentary film about the tentmakers of Cairo you might be able to screen near you.

 

Examples

Dr. Bowker’s slides included several amazing examples of old and new khayamiya. Of course, we were just dying for him to show us some close-ups because we wanted to see the stitching. He didn’t fail us. Dr. Bowker showed us how researchers are using gigapan technology to create high-resolution images of khayamiya too fragile to exhibit. And, yes, you could see individual stitches in crystal clear focus. He also gave us a list of institutions with khayamiya in their collections. And by the way, we’ve mentally put Doris Duke’s home, which is now the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, on our bucket list, if for no other reason than to see her khayamiya in person.

 

Sam Bowker

Now, why bother to go to a lecture* when you can read all about khayamiya on the Internet? Sam, of course! He is engaging, smart, and approachable. Beyond that, his lecture gives you special insights into his research process. For example, imagine pouring over historical photos of North Africa looking for examples of khayamiya when the photos are rarely, if ever, labeled with the amazing textiles in mind. We wanted to sign up immediately to become his research assistants! Sam also had a way of discussing touristic versions of khayamiya and modern khayaymiya prints without being condescending. In fact, he sees these examples as a way of highlighting the artistic accomplishments of the current tentmakers. Click here to go to Sam’s website.

Sam wants to help save this amazing art form by connecting the modern tentmakers of Cairo with international artists to collaborate on new art projects. We encourage you to attend one of Sam’s lectures. The schedule is listed below. And let’s not forget the all-important selfie! This photo is for Sam’s mother, our SAQA friend Jenny Bowker, who has been advocating for today’s tentmakers of Cairo.

 

*Sam Bowker’s Lecture Schedule

Nov 6 – Seattle, WA

• 7 pm
• Pioneer Hall, 1642 43rd Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98112
• Tickets: Contact Patrick Weiler (1patweiler@gmail.com)
• Sponsor: Seattle Textile & Rug Society

Nov 8 – Evanston, IL

• 5:30 pm
• Minasian Oriental Rug Co. 1244, Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL  60202
• Tickets: Contact Mary Solt (msolt@rcn.com)
• Sponsor: Chicago Oriental Rug and Textile Society

Nov 12 – Denver, CO

• 6:30 pm
• Shaver-Ramsey Gallery, 589 Fillmore St., Denver, CO  80206
• Tickets: Contact Paul Ramsey (flyingcarpet.ramsey@gmail.com)
• Sponsor: Colorado Textile Group

Nov 16 – Los Angeles, CA

• 10 am
• St. Bede’s Episcopalian Church, 3590 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles, CA  90066
• Tickets: Contact Cheri Hunter (cherihunter@earthlink.net)
• Sponsor: Textile Museum Associates of Southern California, Inc.