Mossi Woman's Wrap / Skirt

Across West Africa, cloth began as a narrow strip. Sew enough of them together and you have a day’s clothing.

This is a Mossi woman’s wrap or skirt from Burkina Faso, woven of cotton in the 20th century. The ground is a deep green-black, striped vertically in pale aqua, white and mid-green. The stripes fall at slightly irregular intervals, which shows the handwoven structure. A fringe finishes the lower edge.

Forty-four inches by fifty-seven. Softened by wear, with a gentle drape. A calm palette. Nothing in it is shouting, and nothing needs to.