The Leopard at Home

The Leopard Tapestry from India

Snow Lake Manitoba, like every new mining town was a crossroads of cultures. People from around the world came to mining towns to earn the money offered, and to live relatively carefree.

My parents made many friends in the mining industry. One couple, the Jamison’s, came to Snow Lake from India where they had lived and worked for a few years. Their home was a very exotic place to visit. It was furnished with elephants of all sizes and Buddhas, tapestries and carpets. It smelled of incense and was very intriguing. They brought a tapestry to my mother which she valued as she did their friendship.

The Leopard tapestry was about 3 x 2 ft. and it was one of the first items to be hung in the hall or living room of every home we moved into. By all counts I think that was 18. Even though the houses changed, the towns changed, the schools changed, and I changed, the Leopard always occupied a select spot. All was well in the world, all familiar and comfortable when the Leopard was there.

When my parents passed away I took the tapestry to my home, and for a short period of time it hung on a wall, but it never had the same effect on me as it did when I was a child. For the past 30 plus years it has been in a trunk with some other sentimental treasures.

This week, I took it out. We made a frame from fancy moulding that we bought at Rona, trimmed and reinforced the ragged corners, and hung it in the sun room that we had recently decorated in an African theme. My husband had to remind me that it was a Leopard and not a Tiger, but it looks as though it has finally found a select spot in my home where I am sure it will be admired and looked upon with curiosity. I hope so.