Tapestry
Exploring the colors, crafts, and cultures behind the world's handmade traditions
The Sacred Animal That Shaped a Civilization Long before the internet made cats famous, ancient Egypt built an entire religion around them — and the consequences are still sleeping at the end of your bed. In 525 B.C.E., a Persian...
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Think of Hawaii and what comes to mind? Beaches, ukuleles, and…aloha! Aloha is practically synonymous with Hawaii: tourists...
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They may not be common household names, but the gods of Aztec mythology are a colorful lot, giving...
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India’s jewelry tradition is rich and vast. But perhaps the most famous characteristic of Indian jewelry is the...
Read →World culture
Traditions, symbolism & heritage
Colors
The meaning of hue in adornment
Craft & making
Techniques & the human story
Handmade jewelry
Stories behind what you wear
Boasting warm hues and striking patterns, Kuba cloth is the traditional fabric made by the Kuba people of...
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Current research on gratitude is proving what many cultures have known all along: gratitude is physically and emotionally good...
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Cultures borrow and exchange ideas, art, and –you guessed it-words! The English language is full of terms that...
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When Westerners speak of organized community dancing it is usually in the form of “couples” or “partners” dancing...
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Most know Maya Angelou as the prolific writer: a poet, essayist, memoirist, and playwright. But Angelou, who died...
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Turquoise may not sparkle like diamonds or glow like amber. And yet, this opaque blue stone has been...
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Ancient cultures often give us a unique perspective on life. For example, the Native American traditions are rich...
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The story of Thai jewelry is a fascinating blend of history and varied cultural traditions!Hill Tribe SilverPerhaps the...
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In the U.S., we have our noisemakers, our champagne, and our midnight smooches on New Year’s Eve. Want...
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Winter is a time to bundle up in warm clothes. Want a material that is snuggly and super...
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Featured on necklaces, rings, and bracelets, this special material looks and feels like elephant ivory. But it’s actually...
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The Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays for countless families around the world. But...
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Think you have a knack for foreign languages? Try picking up Japanese – all 2,000 characters of it!In...
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India’s colorful and opulent weddings have long been an intrinsic aspect of its culture. Thanks to India’s visible diaspora,...
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Some neighborhoods are known for their local history. Others for their delicious local cuisine. And others? Well, they’re...
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Many of us have someone in our lives we can share our worries with, someone who is willing...
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After the long and dreary season of winter, is it any wonder that people are ready to party?...
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Human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things...
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Here on Cultural Elements, we’ve taken you to some of the most colorful neighborhoods around the globe. But some...
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These words just don’t exist in English, and yet they perfectly capture moments or phenomena that we’ve all...
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