Mystical Shipibo pattern: The embroidered songs

Shipibo-Konibo - story of a pattern 

Shipibo-konibo, Amazon river, pattern, embroidery, weaving, Kene

Many different explanations for the Shipibo-Konibo's large, slender, geometric patterns exist. Some think they could be a stylized form of language, a reflection of Amazon rivers, a representation of the spiritual world, or the shape of an Anaconda. Others suggest these images depict the lives of their families and societies in the rainforest. It is hard to determine precisely what the patterns mean, but their importance and distinctiveness is clear. The Shipibo-Konibo language contains the phrase Chono Shobo, which translates to "The House of the Hummingbird," and it is the name of a place in Pucallpa where the women of the community come together to do their crafts. The elders in this area are the ones who teach the younger generations their ancestral methods. Notably, only women are involved in the making of these textiles.
Many different explanations for the Shipibo-Konibo's large, slender, geometric patterns exist. Some think they could be a stylized form of language, a reflection of Amazon rivers, a representation of the spiritual world, or the shape of an Anaconda. Others suggest these images depict the lives of their families and societies in the rainforest. It is hard to determine precisely what the patterns mean, but their importance and distinctiveness is clear. The Shipibo-Konibo language contains the phrase Chono Shobo, which translates to "The House of the Hummingbird," and it is the name of a place in Pucallpa where the women of the community come together to do their crafts. The elders in this area are the ones who teach the younger generations their ancestral methods. Notably, only women are involved in the making of these textiles.
Some youngsters begin to learn the art of design-making at the tender age of five. These techniques will help them throughout their lives, creating their designs when dyeing or painting by hand, doing embroidery, or weaving.
The geometrical patterns are referred to as quene or kené, which is translated to mean 'symbols of ethnic identity'. They have always been a marker of Shipibo-Konibo identity and have served to differentiate them from other indigenous groups.

The intricate geometrical figures are symbolic of the group's cosmic and mythological sphere. Ronin is the 'Great Boa', the one who is believed to have caused the universe to come into existence. She has a distinct kené that represents the patterns on her skin.

It is believed that Ronin's skin contains all of the design patterns that can be observed in nature, such as the fur of a jaguar, the wings of a butterfly, or the surface of a leaf. Every individual, animal, and plant is said to possess a unique design.

Ayahuasca as a motif

Ayahuasca, vine, textile, Skipibo-Konibo artwork

Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic vine, is a crucial element of the Shipibo-Konibo culture and is typically consumed to facilitate the identification of these designs in the environment. It is through these visions that women begin creating their distinctive hand-painted textiles. Moreover, there are chants (huehua) that act as codes to each design, which are related to shamanic visions obtained from ayahuasca. Therefore, the phrase Ronin kené huehua, which literally translates to 'the song of the design of the Great Boa', has a major role in both Shipibo-Konibo cosmology and their artwork. The Shipibo-Konibo initially work on large pieces of pure cotton muslin, and after cutting them into smaller sections, they start the dyeing process. Women commonly work together on the same sheet at the same time, coordinating designs by observing the development of the other's artwork.

Completing the initial brush stroke on an untouched material can be an incredibly challenging process. It is necessary for the artist to take great care, for if even a single drop of paint is splattered, then the entire effort is wasted since the blemish can never be erased.

Women frequently work for hours on end in a bid to finish their project in time. At times, younger ladies may be hired to complete the intricate details within the broad lines.

The shades used to create the artwork originate from a range of organic components found in the Amazon jungle, such as mahogany tree bark, the fruit of the Genipa americana plant, or mud taken from the bed of streams or ponds.

However, they can be hard to manage due to their thick consistency.

Culture and art

Shipibo culture, Shipibo art, ayahuasca, artwork

People admire the graceful lines, the elegant designs, and the genuine yet immaculate look. Shopping these hand-painted pieces of fabric supports the Shipibo-Konibo community in preserving their culture, and attain financial independence.

Nonetheless, it is essential to keep in mind that, due to the natural materials that are used, the original textiles ought to be taken care of and washed with caution. To make sure the natural colors don't fade, a half cup of salt should be added to each washing batch.

Some youngsters begin to learn the art of design-making at the tender age of five. These techniques will help them throughout their lives, creating their designs when dyeing or painting by hand, doing embroidery, or weaving.

The geometrical patterns are referred to as quene or kené, which is translated to mean 'symbols of ethnic identity'. They have always been a marker of Shipibo-Konibo identity and have served to differentiate them from other indigenous groups.

The intricate geometrical figures are symbolic of the group's cosmic and mythological sphere. Ronin is the 'Great Boa', the one who is believed to have caused the universe to come into existence. She has a distinct kené that represents the patterns on her skin.

It is believed that Ronin's skin contains all of the design patterns that can be observed in nature, such as the fur of a jaguar, the wings of a butterfly, or the surface of a leaf. Every individual, animal, and plant is said to possess a unique design.

Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic vine, is a crucial element of the Shipibo-Konibo culture and is typically consumed to facilitate the identification of these designs in the environment. It is through these visions that women begin creating their distinctive hand-painted textiles. Moreover, there are chants (huehua) that act as codes to each design, which are related to shamanic visions obtained from ayahuasca. Therefore, the phrase Ronin kené huehua, which literally translates to 'the song of the design of the Great Boa', has a major role in both Shipibo-Konibo cosmology and their artwork. The Shipibo-Konibo initially work on large pieces of pure cotton muslin, and after cutting them into smaller sections, they start the dyeing process. Women commonly work together on the same sheet at the same time, coordinating designs by observing the development of the other's artwork.
Completing the initial brush stroke on an untouched material can be an incredibly challenging process. It is necessary for the artist to take great care, for if even a single drop of paint is splattered, then the entire effort is wasted since the blemish can never be erased.

Women frequently work for hours on end in a bid to finish their project in time. At times, younger ladies may be hired to complete the intricate details within the broad lines.

The shades used to create the artwork originate from a range of organic components found in the Amazon jungle, such as mahogany tree bark, the fruit of the Genipa americana plant, or mud taken from the bed of streams or ponds.

However, they can be hard to manage due to their thick consistency.
Even if the significance of the Shipibo-Konibo artwork is not obvious, people admire the graceful lines, the elegant designs, and the genuine yet immaculate look. Shopping these hand-painted pieces of fabric supports the Shipibo-Konibo community in preserving their culture, and attain financial independence.
Nonetheless, it is essential to keep in mind that, due to the natural materials that are used, the original textiles ought to be taken care of and washed with caution. To make sure the natural colors don't fade, a half cup of salt should be added to each washing batch.

Some of their crafts you can see and purchase by visiting:  seemestylebysimy.etsy.com