Ceremonial Panel

Unknown

20th century · Raffia palm fiber, natural dye · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

In southern Côte d'Ivoire, Dida female weavers have developed a distinctive tradition of fiber creations whose aesthetic features low-relief sculptural qualities and dynamic compositions. Through a labor-intensive creative process of successive stages, extremely fine linen-like fabrics are produced from raffia-palm fibers that are interlaced and tie-dyed. Apparel composed from these precious and costly fabrics were owned only by a privileged elite to be worn on important occasions. Square panels were created as part of an ensemble of prestigious ceremonial apparel. They were designed to be held in the hand to be brandished as an aesthetic flourish when dancing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

20th century

Medium

Raffia palm fiber, natural dye

Culture

Dida peoples

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 2001