Garments of Assyria

Garments of Assyria is the title of a forthcoming initiative spearheaded by ACSYA Inc. The objective of this initiative is to produce an e-book that shall serve as a visual repository— illustrating the rich tapestry of Assyria’s cultural heritage. This work shall present traditional articles of clothing, including embellishments, historical images, and diagrams. The images shall consist of professional studio photography, on-location imagery of indigenous Assyrians in their traditional environments, as well as museum-style shots of jewellery and other accessories. This project shall consist of three phases: acquisition, documentation, and publication. The final product shall be published online and will serve as a frame of reference for archivists, researchers, and traditional garment makers.

Last fall, I had the opportunity to do a photoshoot with a rare Assyrian garment that was hand-threaded and sewn over 100 years ago. The garment is not only an exceptional example of Assyrian craftsmanship, but it also features intricate designs and patterns.

The Assyrian garment that we photographed is a hand-woven piece made of high-quality cotton and was made using traditional weaving and sewing techniques, which required great skill and attention to detail.

We decided to do the photoshoot at Tuzigoot National Monument, located in central Arizona. Tuzigoot is an ancient pueblo that was inhabited by the Sinagua people between 1000 and 1400 AD. The site features a variety of well-preserved ruins, which provided a stunning backdrop for our photoshoot. The rugged landscape, combined with the ancient architecture, created a perfect setting to capture the beauty and cultural significance of the Assyrian garment.

During the photoshoot, we focused on capturing the intricate details of the garment, including the hand-sewn patterns and the texture of the fabric. We also used the natural lighting and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension in the photos. The rugged landscape and ancient ruins added a sense of history and cultural significance to the shoot. Overall, we were thrilled with the outcome of the shoot, and we hope that the photos will help to promote awareness and appreciation of ancient Assyrian culture.

To learn more about Garments of Assyria, please visit ACSYA’s website.