Dogon Woman's Wrap / Skirt

Bold navy bands alternate with crisp white ones in a rhythm that never repeats.

This woman's wrap or skirt of woven cotton and indigo is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Wraps and skirts are common everyday and ceremonial clothing in West Africa, and the colour and pattern of cloth often signals the wearer's community or occasion. Rectangular cloth with deep blue and bright white stripes of varied widths, including some light blue lines. The ink-dark bands are dense and even, and the cloth hangs slightly uneven at the lower edge. The weave is tight and clean. It is 45 inches wide and 59 long.

Sharp contrasts and no fuss about it.