Stitch & Resist: Embroidery

Background

Embroidery and needlework are among the oldest of human crafts, dating back thousands of years. Evidence of both can be found in ancient burial sites around the world. Early embroidery was often functional, used to decorate clothing or household linens. Over time, however, it became increasingly decorative, incorporating colors and patterns that reflected the culture of the day. In the Middle Ages, for example, elaborate needlework was used to adorn ecclesiastical vestments and tapestries. By the Renaissance, needlework had become an important art form in its own right, with skilled craftspeople creating intricate designs that were prized by nobility and royalty.

For centuries, embroidery has served as a tool of resistance for women around the world. In times of political upheaval or social unrest, stitched words and images can be used to communicate messages of protest and resistance. In some cases, embroidery can even be used as a form of resistance against oppressive regimes. For example, during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, women would secretly stitch crossed out swastikas into their clothes as a way of protesting the Nazi regime. Embroidery can also be used to reclaim cultural identity. For indigenous people who have been forcibly assimilated into dominant cultures, traditional embroidery can be a powerful way to connect with their heritage and ancestors. In recent years, embroidery has also been used as a form of feminist activism. Using words and images traditionally associated with domestic labor, embroidery can subvert traditional ideas about women’s work and assert the value of so-called “women’s work.” Whether used for political resistance or personal expression, embroidery is a powerful form of communication that has long been used by marginalized groups to assert their identity and amplify their voices.