Check Yoruba Shawl

£1,100.00

NW568 – Interesting and unusual early twentieth century Yoruba women’s shawl woven from industrial cotton and magenta dyed silk alaari from the trans-Saharan trade.

1 in stock

Description

Interesting and unusual early twentieth century Yoruba women’s shawl woven from industrial cotton and magenta dyed silk alaari from the trans-Saharan trade. Woven by a woman on an upright single heddle loom. At the time it was woven industrial thread was relatively scarce and expensive and the finer, smoother surface it allowed was a luxury and prestige product along with the silk. Careful planning of the layout of the beige and white threads in the warp combines with stripes of silk in the weft to form the check pattern, while rows of woven openwork are added at regular intervals. Rows of cream cotton braiding and fringes mark the ends of the two panels. Dates from circa 1900 and is in excellent condition.

Measurements: 70 ins x 38 ins, 177 cm x 96 cm.

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.)