Vintage hand-loomed Baule cloth from Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) featuring a 23" (59cm) brocade/embroidered crocodile and 6" (15cm) brocade/embroidered turtles and birds. The textile would make an excellent shawl or throw, or it could be framed as art. The textile has been handwoven from raw, unprocessed cotton in super wide 7 1/2" (19cm) wide strips which are hand sewn together to form one large cloth. Traditionally buy worn as a wrapper, these textiles all unique in shade, size and wear.
The textile is 50 1/2" (128cm) wide x 64" (162cm) long with a 1/2" fringe. It is in shades of faded charcoal grey cotton with yellow, green, white, red and hot pink wool embroidery. A small are of embroidery has been worn off [see photos] and there are four tiny 1/4" holes. There are no stains or repairs that I can see. The textile is in good condition given its age and origins and the cotton is quite finely woven. This is a wonderful collectors piece.
I recommend had washing separately in cold water with mild soap as the dye may run. This piece has already been washed and can be used immediately. I have more vintage African textiles so please see my store for other styles. Combined shipping available on all textiles. Please ask any questions prior to purchase. Thank you!
All items are 100% authentic and vintage items will have been previously worn, often in a traditional environment. Every effort has been made to describe any flaws in both words and pictures in the listings however a certain amount of wear should always be expected. Handmade items should also be expected to contain irregularities which I believe adds to their character and does not detract in any way from their quality.
Product code: Vintage Baule buy embroidered cloth - crocodile, turtle, bird from Ivory Coast BL52