They were the brides expression to show her wealth and her extrodinary weaving skills. Sometimes these weavings were bartered for other items. Also, these beautiful textiles were passed down to the next generation with the symbol of the clan that weaved it.
Suzanis were weaved and decorated with signs of health, luck, fertility and long life. Tradition has is that the brides' grandmother started by drawing the design on the woven cloth that the family bought at the local market. Then, other females of the family would embroider their individual panels, which then would be all combined into one. This is similar to the "quilting bees" of our ancestors. However, the bride was expected to do most of the work. The purpose was to show a sense of continuity along with rebirth and regeneration. So the next time you visit a museum with a Suzani exhibit, keep in mind that these young brides were only fourteen years old or younger.
Here are two web-sites where you can view Suzani embroidery.
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