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Cultural Context

covering; decoration; clothing

Description

Large, cotton damask, rectangular tie-dyed textile. Dark blue background with blue, red, and light green tie-dyed rows alternating with rows of tie-dyed round red dots, all running in diagonal pattern. Two selvedges and two ends cut.

History Of Use

There is archaeological evidence that textiles were made in Africa long before European contact. Expansion did occur in the 8th century with the spread of Islam. In pre-Colonial times it was used as a medium of exchange; later becoming an important economic activity of many African economies. Dyeing usually is a woman's occupation and previously was regarded as a secret craft. They generally pass on their craft to daughters, but also to kinswomen and friends for a fee. It is a small scale economic activity taking place in rural villages, or small towns. The purpose of tie-dyeing is to produce one of a kind textiles, which communicate a variety of messages. Traditionally, demand for textiles was for religious or political reasons because they were worn as symbols of position and power. Now used for personal display. Textiles have aesthetic, significance, prestige, religious purposes, everyday, or ceremonial uses, and can be used to recognize age, sex, occupation, ethnic group, or the region of a person. More popular during the dry season when festivals and holidays predominate and rural purchasing power is greatest. Cloth of this sort is worn by woman tied skirt-like around their hips or as a head covering. Also used as a man's sleeping wrap.