Man's mantle
Dida people, Ivory Coast
Raffia fibers, natural dyes
56" by 42" (142 by 107 cm)
Early 20th century

This large ceremonial mantle is woven of raffia fibers, then resist-dyed three times for the gold, red and black colors. Natural plant and mineral dyes were used in a very complex stitch-resist process. These mantles were highly prized by the Dida and are quite rare.

There are several small repaired areas that can be seen in the detail photos. It is unmounted at present, but if mounted, these repairs would be corrected and made nearly invisible.
#3610

$1500