Colcha Conversations

Join us for a delightful talk that unravels the enchanting world of ‘Colchas,’ exquisite embroidered textiles from the MAP collection! These Colchas are decorative textiles, often characterised by elaborate embroidery or stitching, that were made in Bengal for the Portuguese market from the 16th to 18th centuries.The term Colcha translates to “bedspread” or “coverlet,” and these textiles were traditionally used as bed coverings or wall hangings. 

Guided by textile collector Jeevak Parpia, this session promises to take you on a journey through the intricate visual storytelling that defines these extraordinary artifacts. Discover the unique motifs woven into each Colcha, and their deep cultural and historical resonance. 

With his wealth of expertise, Mr. Parpia will talk on the artistic traditions and cross-cultural exchanges that shaped these textiles, tracing their roots from Portugal to Latin America, how colchas became a canvas for storytelling, reflecting the lives, beliefs, and aspirations of their makers.