Early Life and Education:
- Carol Held Knight was born in Chicago, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from the University of Chicago in 1960.
- She then went on to pursue a Master of Arts degree in anthropology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City, which she completed in 1962.
- Returning to the United States, she earned a Ph.D. in art history from Harvard University in 1969.
Academic Career:
- Knight began her teaching career as a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley.
- In 1981, she joined the Department of Art History at UCLA, where she taught until her retirement as a professor emerita.
Research and Scholarship:
- Carol Held Knight is widely regarded as an influential figure in the field of textile studies. Her research focuses on the materiality and symbolism of textiles, as well as their role in cultural identity and social practice.
- She has extensively studied pre-Columbian and Latin American textiles, particularly those produced by indigenous communities.
- Her scholarship has contributed to a deeper understanding of the technical skills, aesthetic traditions, and cultural contexts of these textiles.
- Knight has published numerous books and articles on the subject, including:
- "Art of the Andes" (1994), which explores the artistic traditions of the Andean region from ancient to modern times.
- "Textiles of Ancient Peru and Their Relationship to the Early Dynastic Period" (2011), co-edited with Helaine Silverman.
- Knight's research and writings have also delved into other aspects of Latin American art, such as painting, sculpture, and popular imagery.
Awards and Recognition:
- Knight has been recognized for her contributions to the field of art history and anthropology through several prestigious awards and honors.
- She is the recipient of the Robert Goldwater Award from the College Art Association (CAA), the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
- Knight is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Design, and the California Institute for the Study of Art (CISA).
Influence and Legacy:
- Carol Held Knight's work has been instrumental in promoting the visibility and appreciation of non-Western art, particularly textiles.
- Her interdisciplinary approach to art and anthropology has encouraged scholars and artists alike to explore the rich cultural and historical significance of material objects.
- Through her teaching, research, and publications, Knight has contributed significantly to the field of textile studies and has left a lasting impact on our understanding of pre-Columbian and Latin American art.