Ewe Strip-Woven Cloth

A narrow loom makes a narrow band. The weavers of the Ewe, in Ghana, treat that as an opportunity.

They work long strips on treadle looms, then cut and sew them edge to edge, and they are known for bold color blocks and small inlaid motifs. This cotton cloth, from the 20th century, runs more than nine feet long. It is laid out as a checkerboard: fine dark pinstripes alternating with panels of red, gold, cream, green and blue. Several blocks carry tiny woven figures and hourglass shapes.

The strips give the whole thing a pulse. Give it a wall with some length to it.