The Singing Tapestry of Alaj

The Singing Tapestry of Alaj is believed to the be the last known of Susanna Ledford's singing tapestries. Given to the king Alaj, it was smuggled out of the country during the Revolution of Laen. Having been lost for some time, it has since been returned to the country and is kept as a historical treasure and in the National Museum. Historically, it has also symbolized peace and friendship between Alaj and Saas.
The tapestry is woven together by sound waves. This is a combination of sounds found in nature and sounds made by musical instruments. It is, at heart, a musical composition made manifest, and people have argued that Susanna Ledford was one of the world's greatest composers, though this is the only artifact that remains of her work. Sound mages have been able to analyze the tapestry to see that the warp was chosen primarily of "every day sounds," including singing birds, laughter, religious songs, etc, and the weft was made of specific instrument melodies which Susanna crafted herself.
Archaeologists who have found remnants of Susanna Ledford's home have been unable to differentiate her looms from other looms of the era, indicating that her ability to weave sound came purely from the way in which she harnessed her magical ability, and that special tools are not required for this. The loom itself was rather large, to fit the size of the tapestry, and was believed to have been made from the branches of a nearby tree which broke under the weight of winter ice.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

It remains unknown how the singing tapestry works, as Susanna Ledford is the only known person to have created one. It is woven of sounds, the way ordinary tapestries are woven of fiber, and yet it has a physical weight and appearance. One can play the tapestry with the slightest touch. Many mages have since tried to re-create Susanna's work, but none have been successful.

Significance

given to the king of Alaj as a gift of friendship from Saas

Item type

Unique Artifact

Rarity

one of a kind

Dimensions

60"x60"