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Faded Indigo Yoruba Marriage Cloth

£1,100.00

NW552 – Beautifully worn and faded indigo thick hand spun cotton woman’s wrapper cloth.

Out of stock

Description

NW552 – Beautifully worn and faded indigo thick hand spun cotton woman’s wrapper cloth. Unusual example of a rare style of two panel marriage cloth from the north eastern Yoruba village group of Isin, whose people belong to the ancient kingdom of Igbomina. Some 40 km east of the town of Esie, these cloths are related to the “alara” designs that we show from there. However they are distinguished by the long zigzag lozenge motif. The resemblance of this motif to the pattern on the back of a python gives this cloth its name “elejo”, which means “with snake.” As with the “alara” nearby, this was the most prestigious and rarest of a series of five marriage cloths that a woman might weave for her daughter, and was used only in the most wealthy and important families. Hand spun local indigo dyed cotton is used throughout. Dates from early to mid C20th. Aside from being a rare type of cloth it is unusual to get a well worn and faded example like this without holes and repairs.

Measurements: 80ins x 53ins, 203cm x 135cm.

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.)