Description
Superb museum quality antique cotton and silk Yoruba woman’s wrapper cloth dating from around 1900. Woven in two panels joined at the centre, by a female weaver using the upright loom. Intense blue black indigo dyed cotton sets of warp stripes in wine red silk “alaari” brought to Nigeria by the ancient trans-Saharan camel caravan trade. Adding this expensive silk to the classic blue and white striped cotton of Yoruba woman’s loom cloths transformed a textile from an everyday garment into something very special and prestigious, worn only by wealthy and high status women on festive occasions. A very small number of these important heirloom textiles have survived. This one is in excellent complete condition with its original carefully hand stitched seams and hems.
Measurements 209 cm x 158, 6’10” x 5’2″.
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.)
