Tapestry Introduction

The Tapestry Project will provide you with an opportunity to combine materials into a multi-genre presentation centred around a specific theme. Each of you will select your own theme concept built upon an abstract noun (i.e. sacrifice, honesty, nationalism, etc.). While the project will be firmly based on literature in its many forms, you are encouraged to seek connections and illustrations of your theme concept in other media in order to engage the wide spectrum of human experience.

The word tapestry suggests two key words that are the foundation stitches of this project: texture and design. By definition, a tapestry is a “thick hand-woven textile fabric in which design is formed by weft stitches across part of warp” (Oxford Dictionary). Although the design may be entirely abstract or geometric, it often depicts a story, legend, history, or pastoral scene. And even if no such element of realism is portrayed, the tapestry usually incorporates symbolsand images which impart special significance to the fabric while achieving a pleasing and beautiful appearance. The expectation with this assignment is that your literary tapestry will be equally rich with texture and design through words and images. 


In some ways, then, the tapestry is similar in function to a collage where words and images are blended to convey a meaning or message. Unlike a collage, the tapestry is more formal and structured. You will choose literature in terms of the images or patterns it has in common with other literature and other art forms, all of which reflect some aspect of human experience. Thus, the project enables you to explore universal patterns and variations of human experience in order to create a tapestry of ideas, images, and expressions.

Here you can see some  examples of textile tapestries. each of which show intricate patterns which tell a story in its completion. Often they were as large as the walls upon which they hung.  European weavers have produced these textiles for centuries, including the medieval, renaissance and Arts and Crafts periods. Tapestries have been woven for hundreds of years in diverse cultures. Both ancient Egyptians and the Incas buried their dead in tapestry woven clothing. Important civic buildings of the Greek Empire, including the Parthenon, had walls covered by them. However it was the French medieval weavers who brought the craft to fruition.

Your task is to weave texts together to tell a story of your theme concept.