Kalagas: Burmese Embroidered Tapestries (1999)

The padded embroideries of Burma are virtually unique. They are produced on large frames so that a number of people can work on them. Their combinations of legendary figures and animals using sequins, stones, and mirrors, create hangings unlike any others. Burma has been largely inaccessible for almost 50 years so this footage is new to the hand-craft industry and is exciting to view. You will see the designing process, the making of sequins, glass beads, and threads (gold and silver wound with tinsel), the applique process, and the final sewing, assembly, and finishing of these tapestries.