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Catalog Data

Maker:
Mende artist  Search this
Medium:
Cotton, dye
Dimensions:
L x W: 266.7 x 158 cm (105 x 62 3/16 in.)
Strip (6): 25.5 cm (9 13/16 in.)
Type:
Textile and Fiber Arts
Geography:
Sierra Leone
Date:
Late 20th century
Label Text:
Known as kpokpo cloth, this type of men's strip weave is used as bowers for Poro and Sande initiation enclosures, as well as blankets, wall hangings and table runners. It is considered a status symbol.
Description:
Wall hanging composed of 6-strip cotton cloth with a central black square enclosing a tan square that features a symmetrical pattern of patterned black rectangle surrounding 4 diamond patterns. White, black and tan stripes flank the central design.
Provenance:
Ambassador Arthur Lewis, Washington D.C., 1983-1986 to 2011
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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:
Household  Search this
geometric motif  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of the Ambassador Arthur and Doctor Frances Lewis Collection
Object number:
2011-17-7
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/ys7ebe1772f-f95f-4d24-aad9-6f4482520ed6
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_2011-17-7