How do I care for my tapestry?

As with any work of art, direct sunlight will fade colors over time, especially for tapestries with natural dyes. We recommend hanging your tapestry in an area that avoids direct sun exposure to maintain vibrancy. To clean your woven tapestry, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment or dry clean if necessary. Spot treatment can also be used with a gentle fabric cleaner, but we recommend testing it on a small area first. Alternatively, you may hand wash your tapestry using cold water, then hang it to dry in the shade. Some tapestries made from cotton fabric may be machine washed on cold.

What are the most common materials used to make tapestries?

When it comes to handcrafted traditional tapestries, the most common materials include wool, cotton, silk, and natural dyes. Certain regions incorporate unique materials or designs into their tapestries. In the Andes, alpaca fiber is commonly used. In India, one finds batik printed cotton. In Mexico and Central America sheep wool and natural cotton threads are frequently used. In Thailand, rich silk material is a feature of handmade tapestries.

What makes a tapestry eco-friendly?

To craft an eco-friendly tapestry, traditional artisans hold themselves to high standards, both in terms of materials and processes. Natural fibers, textiles, and dyes are derived from plants and trees. Some artisans even incorporate recycled or upcycled materials in their commitment to eco-friendly processes. Traditional art forms that are passed down through the generations are often painstakingly made by hand. They are naturally eco-friendly, as they avoid mass production, factory runoff, and industrial waste. This also means that each tapestry is uniquetruly one of a kind.

Are tapestries a good way to insulate a room?

When it comes to tapestries, function meets style! A handmade tapestry can be a great way to brighten up any living space while providing insulation against the cold. Materials like alpaca and sheep wool create natural warmth by trapping cool air inside the cloth, creating a more stable temperature within the room.

Are tapestries handmade?

While factory-produced tapestries are increasingly available to consumers, traditional, authentic tapestries are handmade by artisans who often learn the artform from older generations. Skilled makers from the Andes, India, Mexico and Thailand make use of foot-treadle or backstrap looms, where they interweave warp and weft threads and then tamp them down into a tight stitch. An artisan may finish a handmade tapestry by using a needle and thread or a sewing machine for final touches.

What are the most popular tapestry designs?

Traditional tapestries depict scenes and images which are drawn from the lives and natural environments of the artisans who craft them. Some include geometric designs, like the mandala, which is thought to represent wholeness and symmetry. Others make use of paisley, floral, or leafy patterns, particularly in tapestries from India. Central American tapestries may incorporate geometric motifs, animals, and people, while Mexican tapestries are often colorful with Greca patterns and designs. Thai artisans use symbols that are popular within Thai culture, religious characters, animal scenes, or depictions of human forms. Unique tapestries from the Andes are often vibrant with elaborate scenes that incorporate folklore, village life, and pastoral existence.

What are traditional methods of making tapestries?

The methods for making tapestries vary as widely as the regions from which they come. Because many traditional artisans adopt the methods of their ancestors, they have kept those ancient artforms alive and well. In the Andes, weavers often work on a wooden treadle loom in which they use foot pedals, called treadles, to control the weave of the tapestry. In Central America, the treadle loom and the backstrap loom are both integral to tapestry art. The backstrap loom is one of the oldest techniques which dates back thousands of years, in which one part of the loom is attached to the weaver and the other part is attached to a fixed object (historically, a tree). To create vibrant color, artisans embroider and dye their tapestries with natural plants and pigments. Around the world, weavers use tie-dye, Dabu (the application of wax or gum clay and resin to the cloth to create a diffuse color effect), Batik (an ancient method in which dye-resistant wax is applied to cloth to create select patterns of color), hand embroidery, and patchwork to create unique and diverse tapestry art.

Where did tapestries originate?

The tapestry is an ancient textile art form that dates back thousands of years to early civilizations in Peru, Egypt, and Thailand. In Peru, skilled weavers used colorful camelid fiber threads to create beautiful tapestries for ritualistic funeral mantles. Ancient Incas wove short tunics (Unku) to show importance and social status. Ancient Egyptians crafted shroud-like tapestries to bury their dead. Tapestries gained international prominence when Europeans began to decorate their castles and churches with elaborate textiles that depicted historical scenes, as well as religious messages. Today, skilled artisans preserve the ancient techniques of their ancestors. In Thailand, for example, silk weavers are renowned for techniques that have been used since the rule of the Angkor kings circa 800 A.D. In Central America, contemporary weavers pay homage to early Mayan artisans who used plants, shells, and even snails to color their first tapestries in the 15th century. In India, where some of the first tapestries were made and the textile industry became the base of their economy, the skills of generations past still live on in modern artisans.

Bird Tapestries at NOVICA

Wool tapestry, 'Swallows Come Home' - Joyful Bird-Themed Handwoven Wool Tapestry

Bestseller

Swallows Come Home, Joyful Bird-Themed Handwoven Wool Tapestry

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$199.49 Wholesale

~~$209.99~~ $199.49

Swallows in the Night, Andean Birds on Black Handwoven Wool Tapestry

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$168.29 Wholesale

~~$197.99~~ $168.29

Wool blend tapestry, 'Andean Owls' - Wool Blend Tapestry of Andean Owls Hand-Woven in Peru

Bestseller

Andean Owls, Wool Blend Tapestry of Andean Owls Hand-Woven in Peru

Zosimo Laura

(45)

$166.24 Wholesale

~~$174.99~~ $166.24

Hummingbird Song, Beautiful Fair Trade Wool Tapestry

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$305.99 Wholesale

~~$339.99~~ $305.99

Wool chain stitch tapestry, 'Abode of Birds II' - Bird-Themed Wool Chain Stitch Tapestry from India

Bestseller

Abode of Birds II, Bird-Themed Wool Chain Stitch Tapestry from India

Amit Moza

(44)

$104.49 Wholesale

~~$109.99~~ $104.49

Sunset Parihuanas, Bird-Themed Handloomed Warm-Toned Wool Tapestry from Peru

Zosimo Laura

(45)

$143.99 Wholesale

~~$159.99~~ $143.99

United Toucans, Modern Bird-Themed Brown and Pink Wool Blend Tapestry

Zosimo Laura

(45)

$211.49 Wholesale

~~$234.99~~ $211.49

Wool tapestry, 'Tree of Happiness' - Unique Tree of Life Bird Tapestry from Peru

Bestseller

Tree of Happiness, Unique Tree of Life Bird Tapestry from Peru

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$560.49 Wholesale

~~$589.99~~ $560.49

Sowing Honesty, World Peace Project Handloomed Alpaca Tapestry with Doves

Teofilo Choquecahua

(3)

$1474.19 Wholesale

~~$1637.99~~ $1474.19

Family Colors, Multicolored Hand Woven Alpaca Tapestry

Teofilo Choquecahua

(3)

$341.99 Wholesale

~~$379.99~~ $341.99

Swallows, Bird-Themed Floral Handloomed 100% Wool Tapestry from Peru

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$223.19 Wholesale

~~$247.99~~ $223.19

Bird Fauna, Bird-Themed Handloomed Blue Andean Wool Tapestry from Peru

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$121.49 Wholesale

~~$134.99~~ $121.49

Origin and Fauna, Animal-Themed Loomed Wool Tapestry in Red Hues

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$223.19 Wholesale

~~$247.99~~ $223.19

Brown Birds in Eden, Andean Wool Tapestry in Browns Handwoven with Birds

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$188.99 Wholesale

~~$209.99~~ $188.99

A Man Dreams, Handwoven Alpaca Blend Surreal Tapestry from Peru

David Laura Zanabria

(20)

$349.19 Wholesale

~~$387.99~~ $349.19

Harmony with Nature, Indian-Made Traditional Crimson Wool Chain-Stitched Tapestry

Amit Moza

(44)

$125.99 Wholesale

~~$139.99~~ $125.99

Love in Flight, Alpaca Blend Handwoven Tapestry with Bird and Heart

Inka

(3)

$125.99 Wholesale

~~$139.99~~ $125.99

Flight, Birds and Butterflies on Multicolor Handloomed Wool Tapestry

Efrain Curi

(22)

$242.99 Wholesale

~~$269.99~~ $242.99

Hummingbird Tree, Colorful Handwoven Andean Wool Tapestry with Bird Motifs

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$296.99 Wholesale

~~$329.99~~ $296.99

Birds in the Andes, Nature-Inspired Bird-Themed Handloomed Wool Tapestry

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$229.49 Wholesale

~~$254.99~~ $229.49

Tree of Joy, Bird-Themed Wool and Cotton Blend Tapestry from Peru

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$530.99 Wholesale

~~$589.99~~ $530.99

Abode of Birds I, Hand Crafted Indian Chain Stitch Tapestry

Amit Moza

(44)

$197.99 Wholesale

~~$219.99~~ $197.99

Childhood Dream, Fringed Bird-Themed Wool Tapestry Hand-Woven in Peru

David Laura Zanabria

(20)

$187.19 Wholesale

~~$207.99~~ $187.19

Two Toucans, Hand Made Wool Tapestry from Peru

Nilda Amaro Oscanoa

(13)

$179.99 Wholesale

~~$199.99~~ $179.99

Chamomile Bloom, Floral and Bird-Themed Handloomed Ivory Wool Tapestry

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$115.19 Wholesale

~~$127.99~~ $115.19

Birds of the White Valley, Bird-Themed Wool Tapestry from Peru

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$233.99 Wholesale

~~$259.99~~ $233.99

Birds of the Blue Valley, Bird-Themed Handloomed Blue Wool Tapestry Made in Peru

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$223.19 Wholesale

~~$247.99~~ $223.19

Birds in Nature, Hand-Woven Wool Wall Tapestry with Bird Floral & Tree Motifs

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$223.19 Wholesale

~~$247.99~~ $223.19

Dance of the Birds, Hand Woven Bird Motif Tapestry

Teofilo Choquecahua

(3)

$359.99 Wholesale

~~$399.99~~ $359.99

Tree of Life, Tapestry Handcrafted Birds Wall Hanging

Eliazar Ochoa

(40)

$233.99 Wholesale

~~$259.99~~ $233.99

Orchard Ducks, Handwoven Duck and Flower-Themed Fuchsia Wool Tapestry

David Laura Zanabria

(20)

$157.49 Wholesale

~~$174.99~~ $157.49

Amazon Glory, Hand Made Wool Tapestry

Luis Leon

(12)

$187.19 Wholesale

~~$207.99~~ $187.19

Swans at Sunset, Wool Tapestry

Raul Ulloa Baylon

(42)

$269.99 Wholesale

~~$299.99~~ $269.99

The Gallant Rooster, Handwoven Traditional Rooster-Themed Fuchsia Wool Tapestry

David Laura Zanabria

(20)

$157.49 Wholesale

~~$174.99~~ $157.49

Hummingbird Passage in Brown, Handwoven Bird-Themed Brown Wool and Cotton Blend Tapestry

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$323.99 Wholesale

~~$359.99~~ $323.99

Red Birds in Eden, Andean Handwoven Wool Tapestry with Birds on Red

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$206.99 Wholesale

~~$229.99~~ $206.99

Peruvian Birds, Handloomed Bird Motif Tapestry

Inka

(3)

$341.99 Wholesale

~~$379.99~~ $341.99

Inca Trinity, Hand Loomed Alpaca Tapestry with Inca Theme

David Laura Zanabria

(20)

$350.99 Wholesale

~~$389.99~~ $350.99

Wool and cotton blend tapestry, 'Owl Night' - Owl-Themed Handloomed Black Wool and Cotton Blend Tapestry

Coming back

Owl Night, Owl-Themed Handloomed Black Wool and Cotton Blend Tapestry

Zosimo Laura

(45)

$128.24 Wholesale

~~$134.99~~ $128.24

Wool tapestry, 'Amazon Macaws' - Handmade Wool Bird Tapestry Wall Hanging

Coming back

Amazon Macaws, Handmade Wool Bird Tapestry Wall Hanging

Luis Leon

(12)

$152.99 Wholesale

~~$169.99~~ $152.99

Alpaca blend tapestry, 'Love's Flight' - Handwoven Signed Yellow and Red Alpaca Blend Bird Tapestry

Coming back

Love's Flight, Handwoven Signed Yellow and Red Alpaca Blend Bird Tapestry

Inka

(3)

$113.99 Wholesale

~~$119.99~~ $113.99

Natural Beauty, Large Wool Nature-Themed Tapestry

Raul Ulloa Baylon

(42)

$467.99 Wholesale

~~$519.99~~ $467.99

Hummingbird Geometry, Hummingbird Motif Geometric Wool Tapestry from Peru

David Laura Zanabria

(20)

$170.99 Wholesale

~~$189.99~~ $170.99

Wool tapestry, 'Swallows in the Sky' - Andean Artisan Handwoven Blue Wool Tapestry

Coming back

Swallows in the Sky, Andean Artisan Handwoven Blue Wool Tapestry

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$303.99 Wholesale

~~$319.99~~ $303.99

Wool and cotton blend tapestry, 'Hummingbird Passage in Blue' - Handwoven Bird-Themed Blue Wool and Cotton Blend Tapestry

Coming back

Hummingbird Passage in Blue, Handwoven Bird-Themed Blue Wool and Cotton Blend Tapestry

Cerapio Vallejo

(52)

$341.99 Wholesale

~~$359.99~~ $341.99

Wool and cotton blend tapestry, 'Hummingbird Route' - Artisan-Made Wool and Cotton Hummingbird Tapestry from Peru

Coming back

Hummingbird Route, Artisan-Made Wool and Cotton Hummingbird Tapestry from Peru

Zosimo Laura

(45)

$132.99 Wholesale

~~$139.99~~ $132.99

Abode of Birds III, Indian Hand-embroidered Tapestry with Birds on Tree Motif

Amit Moza

(44)

$125.99 Wholesale

~~$139.99~~ $125.99

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