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Catalog Data

Medium:
Cotton, dye
Dimensions:
H x W: 109.8 x 93.4 cm (43 1/4 x 36 3/4 in.)
Type:
Textile and Fiber Arts
Label Text:
Factory print cloth may be manufactured in Europe or Asia for the African market or be made in an African factory and sold anywhere. Generally identified with bright colors and bold designs, it assumes a local name and symbolic meaning. One reason for success of factory printed cloth is the widespread practice of dressing alike for special events ~ weddings, funerals, anniversaries and especially for political events. Another is the quantity of cloth needed to make an outfit. Factory printed cloth is typically sold in 6 yard lots to women for a skirt and top, plus a shawl or head tie. It may be kept uncut as stored wealth.
The 1920s -30s saw the introduction of Fancy cloth, large plain blocks of color with photographic imagery. Popular during colonial times, this technique became particularly important with independence.
Description:
Factory printed cloth with a repeating pattern of a photograph of Major General Joseph Momoh on a map of Sierra Leone. Above the photograph is a red rising sun and below is the text "J. S. MOMOH for PRESIDENCY." Green banners that read "SIERRA LEONE SUPPORTS" are scattered around the map on a basket weave background. The print is red, black, dark blue, light blue, and green on an off-white background. Bottom and top selvedges read "SOTIBA SIMPAFRIC DAKAR." Repeat is 60.6 cm (23 7/8 in.).
Provenance:
Lilburn Theurer Senn, Clemson, South Carolina, acquired in Sierra Leone, 1989 to 2002
Exhibition History:
"Festival of African American Literature and the Arts, " the Brooks Center, Clemson University, South Carolina, 9/17- 9/21/2001
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Topic:
Writing  Search this
sun  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of Donald A. Theuer and Lilburne Theuer Senn
Object number:
2002-9-31
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys78cc2515a-f14f-40ca-ad71-33861bf44fcf
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_2002-9-31