Shipibo Embroidery Cloth - Large

"The intricate pattern embroidered on this cloth is a song-pattern. Song patterns are geometrically fractal designs. Tiny stitches make up the background patterns were explained to be representative of the cosmic oneness. To the Shipibo, this oneness very literally connects all things in the universe.

When I observed the shamans singing a cloth, they would trace their index finger along this main song line pattern, the melody rising or descending in general accordance with the rise and fall of the line. Along the main song line itself and at various points of intersection along its path, can be seen the beautiful geometric designs called the floras. These flowers represent turning points where the song may take a new direction, such as a new verse or chorus."

Source: Woven Songs Of The Amazon (Icaros and Weavings of The Shipibo Shamans) by Barrett H. Martin