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Various Mashed Together Histories
Of the Origins Of Throw Pillows
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This part of the post is just to add text. In my excessively link heavy blog, I am finding it necessary to add text purely for the purpose of avoiding certain filters. Normally this is where you will find random poetry, but for this post, I went with random histories of throw pillows. :-)
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Mesopotamia is a region of southwest Asia in the Tigris and Euphrates river system that benefitted from the area’s climate and geography to host the beginnings of human civilization. Its history is marked by many important inventions that changed the world, including the concept of time, math, the wheel, sailboats, maps and writing. Mesopotamia is also defined by a changing succession of ruling bodies from different areas and cities that seized control over a period of thousands of years.
In addition to all of their other inventions, Mesopotamians "ushered in a new era in interior decor by introducing decorative stones and wooden cushions.
It is believed that the origins of throw pillows trace back to 7000BC in Mesopotamia civilizations. During this time, decorative throw cushions were considered a symbol of status: the more that you had, the more affluent you were.
They served as a status symbol, showcasing the wealth and taste of their owners. However, it didn’t take very long for the popularity of decorative cushions to spread to other civilizations, where they became an integral part of daily life. "
The evidence of throw pillows being utilized dates to ancient Egypt and is a testament to their enduring appeal throughout history. Archaeologists have unearthed ceremonial throw pillows being used in their burial rituals and old ruins. These early throw pillows were often crafted from durable and valuable materials like wood, ivory, or stone, showcasing their significance in ceremonial and everyday contexts.
The Greeks and Romans introduced a notable shift in the construction of throw pillows. They preferred more comfortable materials such as straw, reed, or feathers for their throw pillows. It transformed these cushions into inviting and restful, comfortable accessories to lounge or sleep on. They pioneered various sizes of pillows for various uses, paving the way for modern throw pillows.
he Egyptians had two main uses for decorative cushions:
As part of a burial ritual: These stone or wood cushions were typically used during a burial. The head of the deceased would rest on these “platforms” as the Egyptians believed it would uphold body vigour, promote blood circulation, and keep demons away from the deceased.
As part of daily life: Egyptians at that time would have slept closer to the floor than our society does now. As sanitation would not have been adequate back then, wealthier families used stone cushions to elevate their heads. Thereby avoiding contact with insects or vermin as easily.
Although distinctive in design and aesthetics, the Chinese, just like the Egyptians, continued using hard materials for their pillows. Decorative cushions made using ceramic, bamboo, wood, or bronze were popular and integral to their culture. Using such rare materials highlights these cushions' important role in ancient China.
Typically, throw cushions and pillows were instrumental in their lifestyle in Japan, particularly in traditional settings. They used to throw cushions and pillows for floor seating, adding functionality and beauty to their interiors.
The term "Throw Pillow" entered our lexicon from the late 19th to early 20th century
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