GW Museum and Textile Museum

Thank you for following along with us on X as we've shared stories and artworks from Washington and the world. We are retiring this account, but you can still follow us on Instagram (@gwmuseum), Facebook and TikTok (@gwtextilemuseum). We hope to see you there!

Can you picture this gorgeous Algerian curtain in your living room window? #FabricFriday

For today’s #MondayMotivation, check out this stunning design from Türkiye! The pattern, featuring rows of star-shaped octagons alternating with pointed crosses, is arranged in a timeless Islamic style

Give your eyes a much-needed break with the sunset hues of a Moroccan carpet ☀️ #FabricFriday Woven in the mountains of rural Morocco, this carpet entrances us with its symmetrical diamonds, star motifs and multicolored rosettes.

For #MondayMotivation, take a look at this embroidery from the Ionian Islands! The technique involves carefully removing some threads from the fabric to create a delicate, net-like pattern. The artist then uses silk thread to fill in the open spaces, making the design stand out

For #FabricFriday, we’re showcasing a textile from our “Utopia/Dystopia” micro exhibition titled "Young Pioneers’ Rally"!

This week, we’re delighted to showcase our September micro exhibition, “Utopia/Dystopia," which features powerfully narrative textiles from the Soviet Union era!

Start your week with a little #MondayMotivation from Guatemala! This beautiful huipil is a striking example of the traditional patterns found in Tecpán's everyday huipils. A huipil is a traditional embroidered blouse worn by Indigenous women in Guatemala

For #FabricFriday, we’re showing off two “shisha” embroidered blouse sleeves from Pakistan! Mirror work in textiles from this region is thought to originate from local beliefs: The mirrors were believed to trap the evil eye and reflect the bad luck away from the wearer. 🧿

Today’s #MondayMotivation is from Uzbekistan. What makes this robe special is that it’s crafted from two distinct ikat fabrics. Even though the designs differ, the colors and their distribution are so closely matched that the transition between the patterns is nearly invisible.

This Nigerian textile utilizes a resist-dye technique called “adire eleko.” The resist element is made from cassava flour and is painted, stenciled or combed over the cloth. After drying in the sun, this mantle was dipped in synthetic indigo, revealing the patterns.

Check out the newest post on our Collection Stories blog: a Shaman's hat from Laos! collectionstories.museum.gwu.edu/shamans-hat-fr…

Today's #MondayMotivation takes us to Cameroon. This tunic was likely worn by a high-ranking Banum official. Indigo-dyed cloths are worn by rulers and their close associates on special occasions, and are displayed in royal spaces.

Today, we’re excited to share a Peruvian textile accessory! #FabricFriday This armband was woven from alpaca hair and features a row of fierce warriors. Check out their adorable little helmets!

Join us for a free festival with crafts, dance and displays from the embassies of China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and the American Turkish Association. Saturday, September 7, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. museum.gwu.edu/celebration-te…

Did you know that Bhutan has a national dress code? National dress is a way of preserving Bhutanese culture. The “kira” is a traditional garment worn by women at formal, official and celebratory events. #FabricFriday

Beyond its beauty, the rebozo is a practical garment, used for carrying babies, goods or as a fashionable accessory. Its significance in Mexican culture makes it a cherished symbol of heritage and craftsmanship. #FabricFriday

Today’s #FabricFriday is new addition to our collections website. This intricately embroidered badge from China features a white egret, signifying the wearer’s status as a sixth- or seventh-rank official in the Qing-dynasty civil service.

In Bolivia, Indigenous women use vibrant carrying cloths for everything from cradling babies to hauling market goods. Tied into a pouch and worn slung across the chest, these cloths blend beauty and practicality. #FabricFriday

Discover the art of tablet weaving with a glimpse into textile scholar Sarah Sherrill’s archive! 🌟 In our “Art Uncovered” exhibition, you'll see this captivating photo of a Bakhtiari woman tablet weaving using leather boards. Swipe to see result — a beautifully crafted band.