In preparation for the 75th anniversary of the James White Library the Center for Adventist Research has been sifting through our artifacts to find items from our collection that don’t often get displayed because of the logistics of doing so securely and in a way that will preserve the item.

One such item is a tapestry that was donated to the Center some time ago. It is fragile condition and would require special care to display.

Detail from tapestry found at the Center for Adventist Research.

The centuries old cloth fibers have faded over time. As we opened up the tapestry we could smell the dust and decay. The muted colors of yellows, browns and greens blended together at first glance the central artwork with its border.

Detail of tapestry at Center for Adventist Research

Then details soon called for attention. The intricately woven leaves in the border embraced musical instruments and flowers. Each graphic element representing some idea or thought. With an experts review we could learn their significance. The workmanship was evidenced in the nuanced expressions on the faces of the people featured in the tapestry. Scene is a moment of action frozen in time. One man is about to mount his horse.

Detail of tapestry at Center for Adventist Research