tribaltextiles.info

Baby carriers:
On Susan’s website (www.tribaltrappings.com) item # TACH111 is a Shui baby carrier almost identical to my baby carriers #2 and #6! Another baby carrier (my #4) is also very similar - differing only in the centre top panel which is floral in design. I was really happy to see her example as the 3 different individuals I purchased these carriers from could only say that they came from China. I await the arrival of “Bonding via Baby Carriers” to see if there are any further examples.
The bottom piece of Baby carrier #4 appears to have been added later although it still bears signs of long wear (see bottom detail). Why do I think this? Firstly, the panel’s appliqué (although worn) ‘feels’ newer. There is also use of a woven ribbon incorporated as a border which just seems to be made by modern machine? Interestingly, in the detail close up of this section where the embroidery has worn through above the flower you can see what appears to be a thick paper padding out the design and giving it a more 3D appearance. There are further similarities between the side border of baby carrier#4 and the bottom border of baby carrier#2 (olive green thread on a pink background).
Comparison of baby carriers #2 and #6 shows that there construction and design is almost identical. However, they do differ in one significant way: the bottom portion of baby carrier#2 is done in running/chain stitch and incorporates sequins, whilst that of baby carrier#6 is done in appliqué. This makes me think that baby carrier#6 is perhaps newer – reflecting the move away from embroidery?
The central panels of baby carriers#2 and #6 are incredible as the individual sections that make up the ‘butterfly’ design are not fully attached which enables the ‘wings’ to move. Absolutely delightful! Does Susan have any more information on the one shown on her website?

Here is baby carrier 2

Here is number 4

Miao baby carrier 4 full view

Here is number 5. See also
Also:

Number 6

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource

Great photos Pamela! It is so good to see the people using these items and also interesting to see the variety of goods for sale.

I agree with your attributions and do not really have much to say about the Shui other than to note the wrapped-horse hair gimp that Pamela has already mentioned: they make more use of it than any other group that I can think of.

Your carrier #5 appears to be from the Flowered Miao and another thread on page 2 addressed these: The difference between yours and the example I show is that the designs on mine are created using a fine chain stitch, and yours appears to be using the gimp, like the Shui. One must wonder if this is a rather radical change in materials, or an influence due to proximity to the Shui (I don't even know if they're proximate), or...? Pamela- any thoughts on this?

Carrier #1 is like some I have () that are Miao from Ziping County in Guizhou Province. They can be especially labor-intensive in their techniques. But of course, all baby carriers are labors of love, so the work is usually exceptional.

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource

_________________
Sandra Niessen

www.bataktextiles.com
http://bataktextiles.blogspot.com/

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource