Tibetan Hangings

An image of folded up fabric. It has red, blue, green, and white details.
Part of the Tibetan wall hanging from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Possibly Tibet 
Year: ca. 1897
Materials: Thread, beads, and cotton 

Members of the Harris Family travelled to Tibet on two occasions: George, Lucy, Milly, and Ronald Harris visited Tibet on their 1897 world tour. George’s younger sister Teresa also visited Tibet along with her second husband, George St. Littledale. The collection of wall hangings was purchased by George and Lucy in 1897.

Wall hangings in Tibet are usual made for religious worship and are called Thangka. Thangka usual have an image of Buddha or mandalas on them. Most often they are made of cotton or silk applique, though many are also painted and embroidered. Thangkas are usually small, though some can be up to sixty feet in length. These wall coverings were made in a similar style, but do not have Buddhist imagery on them. The pictured one is part of a set of three and were used by the Harris Family as porch coverings. The Harris Family used to hang these on the edge of the porch acting as curtains during summer days.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.