Description
Massive swathe of resist dyed indigo strip weave cloth from the Bamun or Bamileke peoples of western Cameroun. The pattern riffs off the strip weave format while filling in the space with multiple zigzags, squares, lozenges, interlocking lines, and similar small scale motifs. While smaller ndops could be worn, these huge pieces were a vital element of court display and ceremonial life in the various small kingdoms of the Grassfields region of Cameroun. Edged with red cloth, they were hung up on bamboo frames to form screens that demarcated sacred space for masquerades, royal events, and “cry dies” (funeral ceremonies.) Making an ndop involved a whole series of skilled practitioners – the male weavers of the plain white hand spun cotton strip weave, a specialist who marked out the intended design on the white cloth, the women who carefully sewed thin raffia rope along the marked lines, the indigo dyers, and finally those who unpicked the raffia to reveal the finished design. Dates from circa 1960. There’s a few small gaps where the stitches on theseams have come undone, otherwise condition is excellent.
Measurements 149 inches x 104, 378 cm x 265.
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.)
