Mossi Woman's Wrap / Skirt

High-contrast black and cream stripes make a punchy, ruled-line pattern across the cloth.

This woman's wrap or skirt is Mossi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is woven cotton & indigo. In much of West Africa, a length of cloth is worn wrapped around the waist as a skirt, and the stripe pattern may reflect regional taste. Broad dark bands alternate with white sections of thin black pinstripes, giving a firm, rhythmic effect. The weave is dense and level, and the edges are straight with minimal fraying. It is 44 inches wide and 61 long.

Sharp, bold and about as crisp as stripes get.