Wool kaasa or blankets, woven by the Fulbe in the Niger Bend region, are associated primarily with the market of Mopti in Mali. They are traded extensively and can be found in markets in southern Ghana and northern Nigeria. used as blankets and wraps, kaasa protect the user from the day's heat as well as the night's cold and shield against mosquito bites.
The patterns probably relate to North African Berber designs. All kaasa patterns have names. Although differences in terminology occur from region to region, most categories seem to refer to fertility, water, the path of the herd and the family home.
Description:
Blanket of six strips narrow band weave joined by hand; overall geometric design in supplementary weft patterning; four weft stripes; warp ends braided and finished with tassels; barriw bkacj braid sewn along side; center join with woven strip of black, rust and cream; Cream, black rust, yellow,white wool
Provenance:
Harold Rome, New York, acquired 1955-76, to 1980
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