In the Himalayan homes or in Nepalese homes, the walls are never left as spaces to be filled up with all haste. These are the spaces or the locations in the home where memory and belief merge in their own quiet way. The provision for such in the homes has, of course, been the role of wall hangings long enough.
Throughout the hills and valleys of the country of Nepal, wall hangings can also be carefully picked and placed. For instance, “a Tibetan wall hanging could sit beside the family altar, while the woven textile could dangle inside the domestic sphere to create the impression of balance and calm.” Often, these wall hangings do not need to be interpreted through words. Their meanings can be interpreted through the daily experience they create and provide, apart from mere aesthetics and decoration.
The history of Himalayan wall hangings has its roots in handmade craftsmanship. Many Himalayan wall hangings are made through time-proven techniques of handmade weaving, appliqué, embroidery, or brushwork. Time spent in acquiring these techniques is measured by patience, not productivity. Every handmade Himalayan wall hanging has minute differences in colors, composition, or texture. The differences lie in the fact that handmade things have an element of human touch, which gets eliminated in things that are industrially made.
Nepali wall art can incorporate a wide range of themes, both religious and secular. Some may incorporate symbols of Buddhism, while others may be inspired by nature, geometry, or rural society. Common to all, however, is purpose. The duration required for the execution of these pieces does not preclude thought, duplication, or contemplation. This imbues a handmade wall piece with a level of depth that transcends mere design.
In contemporary homes, these artifacts assume their due position. They can hang in meditation chambers, studios, living rooms, or corners where one wishes to maintain confidentiality. As spiritual wall art, they do not command attention. Rather, they provide a calming effect, which settles in the background, influencing the feel of the space rather than its look.
Selecting wall hangings produced using conventional techniques is another way of encouraging the slower process of artistic creation. This is because such selection helps to preserve the communities involved in creating this art form in Nepal. This is especially the case when considering the current pace of the modern world.
With time, the wall hangings become an integral part of the home’s narrative. They see the seasons come and go, the flow of conversations, as well as the periods of silence.
