Khatas for Peace – One Thread, One World, One Peace
Small Scarf Virtual Exhibition
My scarf is a Saori version of a Tibetan Khata (“a traditional ceremonial scarf used in Tibet and Mongolia. It symbolizes goodwill, auspiciousness and compassion” – Wikipedia).
I started the Khata when all of the Tibet demonstrations started. I was thinking of peaceful resolutions and had a vision of many people standing in quiet solidarity wearing the scarves. As I wove, it became a larger thought of freedom – freedom from hunger, freedom from fear, freedom from oppression of all kinds, freedom from war. Then – freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom of spirit … all leading to Peace.
The scarf itself is woven of a simple white cotton thread. I have used the Saori technique of grouped weft and skipped dents to give the scarf a variation in texture as we are all different.
The scarf is seven feet long and the fringe comes down to my ankles – though on these cedar sculptures it appears much shorter.
One of the Khatas has been sent to Sendai, Japan for Saori Peace Weave 2008 – along with an Earth Banner made by the Salt Spring Community (more on that in another post).
Many thanks to Salt Spring Woodworks and sculptor Michael Dennis for allowing the photographs to be taken and of course to my husband, Alan, for taking them.
See the complete Small Scarf Virtual Exhibition 2008:
Bety Antonio, “Deep End of the Loom“, Miami, FL, USA
Crystal, “Baby-Hugs“, PA, USA
Peace & Happy Weaving,
Terri
My website: www.saltspringweaving.com
I love the scarf, wow so inspirational. You always weave with such purpose, it’s so moving. I love the scupltures, what a perfect setting for your message. May peace be with you.
Very inspirational, and lovely! I really like the texture of it.
Thank you so much Bety & Jhianna. I’m glad that it is inspiring to you – when I create something like this it is because of something that calls me to do it, never thinking about how others might see it.
The texture was created because of the Saori way – it is so much how I see things now that I cannot seem to weave just plain weave without adding in texture and variations in some way.
Peace & Happy Weaving,
Terri
Oh, beautiful. Space/Cram warp was one of my first projects which were not samples. I love it. And “kata” in Japanese (which I assume sounds something like “Khata”) means shoulder/s.
You have the most picturesque backdrop for the submission, but then you knew that, right?
Thank you very much for your enthusiasm, participation, and friendship, Terri. May there be many more happy and peaceful scarves from your loom.
Your scarf has such meaning… I love this idea and it sounds like weaving it was a thoughtful, meditative process. Thanks for sharing all that went into the piece!
oh wow Terri, so beautiful and so surprising. HH The Dalai Lama is in Sydney at the moment and I wish I had a handwoven kata to offer him this time.
Beautiful setting, and a lovely scarf with meaning! I look forward to hearing about Sendai, Terri.
And thank you for your participation and enthusiasm. Many more happy warps!
(Dare I say, if there is a next time, you might entice your Mom to participate as well? I tried with mine, but she says she used the wrong wool and the finished piece was so tough she’s going to use it as a pot holder!)
Thank you for all the great comments – Meg, Taueret, Crystal. I am so very lucky to have a husband who is a photographer and found such a great setting for the photos.
Kata is shoulders in Japanese – that’s an interesting connection – thanks for that Meg.
And yes – I think it would be great if my mom participated in the next one (yes, I hope there is another) – maybe your comment will nudge her in that direction!
Taueret – oh wouldn’t that be great to be able to give him a Khata – I wrote to him about it, but no response as yet….
Happy weaving all,
Terri
Such a beautiful post, Terri! I love reading about your weaving process and the meditations involved. THank you so much for sharing.
Thank you Lolly. It seems the process just evolves as I sit at the loom.
Happy Weaving,
Terri
How beautiful, Terri!
Your Tibetan “Khatas for Peace” and the your description of the process of weaving them is very moving. The display, in that magnificent setting, overflows with spirituality and peace and somehow, a sense of permanence.
peace and love,
Petra
ohh – i love that – a sense of permanent peace!!
Thanks so much Petra.
Peace & Happy weaving,
Terri
Terri, I hope nobody you know was affected by the earthquake. It sounds like it was much worse than first suspected.
Love saori and so do my granddaughters in Miami.e know about it through Yukako from Saori weaving in Manhattan and have been searching for ever to find it down here in Miami, Florida.
Do you have any idea
Thanks a million in my name and in name of my grandkids
Christine Rindler
Any address of saori weaving in Maimi Florida please
thank you
Christine Rindler