Dida Raffia Dance Skirt

When a dancer moves, the raffia moves with her. That is the whole idea.

A Dida skirt from Ivory Coast, twentieth century, raffia, nearly six feet long. The fiber is dyed or patterned in warm tans, rust and brown, in rows of small ringed shapes. Along the lower edge, a fringe of knotted dark tassels.

Raffia is light, supple and quick to swing. Dance skirts take advantage of all three.

Hang it wide. Let it sway whenever someone opens the door.