NERS: Jeff Spurr on “Style and Identity, People or Place: The Case for Lakai Suzanis” (Lecture at First Parish Lincoln, MA)

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NERS: Jeff Spurr on  “Style and Identity, People or Place: The Case for Lakai Suzanis” (Lecture at First Parish Lincoln, MA)

NERS: Jeff Spurr on “Style and Identity, People or Place: The Case for Lakai Suzanis” (Lecture at First Parish Lincoln, MA)

March Meeting: Jeff Spurr on “Style and Identity, People or Place: The Case for Lakai Suzanis” See meeting details on page 2. In his talk on March 19, Jeff Spurr will discuss a complex group of striking suzanis (dowry embroideries) attributed in recent decades to Shahrisabz.  Jeff has long puzzled over these dramatic textiles, and has concluded that the suzanis in question were urban equivalents of the well-known small, embroidered trappings of the ru- ral Lakai Uzbek, and that both classes were essentially similar in style and produced during the same period. The talk will emphasize the importance of style in the representation of group identity, and will attempt to ex- plain what is meant by style in the Lakai context.  Jeff will make the case for an essential identity in design val- ues, design characteristics, and spirit between these two groups of textiles, rural and urban, produced over the limited period ranging approximately from 1875 to 1925. The talk (originally presented at Volkmann Treffen 2009 in Berlin, October 23-25, 2009) will also describe the political and historical context of the emergence of this well known Lakai style, which came about as a result of forced settling of the Lakai, initiated by the Emir of Bukhara in 1869, and fully accomplished over the course of the following decade.  The effects of the Russian rule will also be addressed. Jeff will bring examples of both Lakai suzanis and other embroideries.  Attendees are also urged to bring examples, particularly of the suzanis, for show and tell. Jeff Spurr is a long time member of ners and its Steering Committee.  We all know him from the many wonderful textiles that he has brought to our show and tells and other meetings, and for the museum tours that he has led.  He is an independent scholar of the history of photography in the Middle East, and of Islamic tex- tiles and rugs.  Until recently he was Islamic and Middle East Specialist at the Documentation Center of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, Fine Arts Li- brary, Harvard University—a position he held for 26 years. He has a sustained interest in human rights, cul- tural heritage, and the fate of libraries in countries sub- jected to conflict.  In this regard he has led efforts in support of damaged Bosnian and Iraqi libraries. March Meeting Details Date: Friday, March 19 Time: 7:30pm Place: First Parish, Bedford Road, Lincoln Note: Non-members welcomed for $10 fee Directions: From Rte. 95 (128) take the Trapelo Road West exit (#28b) in Waltham. Proceed west about 2.5 miles to a stop sign at the five-way intersection in Lincoln (there is a white planter in the middle of the intersection.) Go right on Bedford Road for 0.1 miles to Bemis Hall, a large brick building on your right.  The parish house is on your left. From Rte. 2 take Bedford Road, Lincoln Center exit (eastbound, turn right at light; westbound, go through light, turn right, and circle 270 degrees to cross Rte. 2 at the light.)  Proceed  0.9 miles and you will see Bemis Hall, a large brick building on your left.  The parish house is on your right. Parking: In back of the parish house plus along the street.  It’s ok to park in front of Bemis Hall provided the build- ing is dark and not in use.

Starting on 19, March, 2010