Mossi Woman's Wrap / Skirt Pillow

Vertical stripes in deep blue, powder blue, and bone white across a square face.

This woman's wrap and skirt pillow is Mossi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is woven cotton, indigo & feather. Cotton is among the oldest cultivated fibers in West Africa, and spinning and weaving it is traditionally done on narrow looms. Square cushion covered in stripes of different widths, alternating dark indigo with lighter washed blue. A wider pale band appears at the left, and the weave looks uneven and softly worn, with a subtle crumpled shape. It is 18 inches wide and 18 long.

Orderly in intent, charmingly off the ruler in practice.