Description
Exceptional and rare chief’s cloth from the Bondoukou region of north eastern Ivory Coast, circa 1920-40. Worn by a chief or other senior man among the Abron or perhaps Koulango ethnic group. Cloths such as this use the same weaving techniques as Ghanaian kente, notably warp stripes with weft faced bands and supplementary weft float motifs, but with significant differences in materials used (hand spun cotton grounds), in details and complexity of motifs, and in pattern layout. In this particular cloth the patterns of weft faced bands and geometric weft float motifs are laid out in an irregular “offbeat” pattern (see Robert Farris Thompson’s comments on offbeat in West African textiles in Flash of the Spirits and elsewhere) that is in marked contrast to the regular grid layouts that characterise Ghanaian prestige textiles. In neat clean condition with two or three repairs and some of the original seams between the strips restitched by hand.
Measurements 10’11” x 5’10, 332cm x 176.
All items on this site are vintage. That means that they may have a few small marks or blemishes consistent with use. We will try to highlight any significant issues in the description above but in the event you are not happy with your purchase please notify us within 48 hours of receipt and you may return it for a full refund (excluding return shipping costs.)
