Cottage Industry Textiles from the 1930s (Treasures from Our Collection)

This video showcases a wonderful collection of textiles created by Armenian women that were acquired by a nurse in Alexandria, Egypt and eventually brought back with her to America. They demonstrate excellent workmanship and are in a near perfect state of preservation, and the collection was recently donated to us by Heather McCracken.

The pieces highlighting the rich traditions of cottage industry during the 1930s. Featuring intricate needlelace, vibrant embroidery, block printing, and distinctive embroidery patterns from Marash, Urfa, and Sivas, these pieces reflect the creativity of Armenian artisans navigating the challenges of the Great Depression. They embody a unique charm and resilience. Created to appeal to tourists by using art deco style or other popular themes, these textiles represent a vital part of cultural heritage and economic adaptation in the post-genocide era.

The “Treasures from Our Collection” video series is sponsored by a generous donation from Michele Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. It is intended to share items from our extensive collection that are not currently on display.

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