Stunning Large Vintage Dida Raffia Kerchief. Cote D'Ivoire

This is a gorgeous, prestigious, vintage kerchief from the dida people of the cote d'ivoire, made out of raphia fibers and tie dyed in deep colours. Both finely constructed and skillfully tie dyed, it presents a very fine and increasingly rare example. The dida express their cultural heritage solely through textiles and are therefore highly skilled at this art form. For ceremonial occasions they plait strands of raphia into loincloth or skirts, cloaks and kerchiefs, giving them patterns by means of tied resists and dyeing them with natural plant dyes, which are responsible for their subtle earthy tones. All motifs are formed solely by variations in the tie and dye technique. This kerchief has been professionally stitched to a fabric base and stretched on a wooden frame. An authentic, tribally used piece, in fine original condition. It is increasingly hard to find such a good example. This is a large complete piece and has dark fringed edging. Height 83cm width 55cm.