Man's Garment, possibly early 1900s. Africa, West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Dida-style weavers and dyers. Raffia palm fiber (Raphia ruffia or R. vinifera) and dye; overall: x cm (66 7/8 x 83 1/4 in.). Displayed flat to highlight its designs and preserve its delicate fibers, this wrapper was meant to drape around the body. An elite man wore it with one corner over a shoulder, the knotted fringe skimming his ankles. The garment gained its earth-toned geometric patterns through plangi, a knot-and-twist resist dyeing technique; each color is applied in a different dye bath, from lightest
Man's Garment, possibly early 1900s. Africa, West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Dida-style weavers and dyers. Raffia palm fiber (Raphia ruffia or R. vinifera) and dye; overall: x cm (66 7/8 x 83 1/4 in.). Displayed flat to highlight its designs and preserve its delicate fibers, this wrapper was meant to drape around the body. An elite man wore it with one corner over a shoulder, the knotted fringe skimming his ankles. The garment gained its earth-toned geometric patterns through plangi, a knot-and-twist resist dyeing technique; each color is applied in a different dye bath, from lightest to darkest. While their patterns are unique, these garments reflect regional influence: Dida women likely learned hand interlacing from Liberian Kpelle weavers. Such garments were given as gifts or worn on special occasions, at least into the 1990s.
Size: 3400px × 2705px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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