Ashanti Wool Blanket, Ghana

Birds, fish and stars march across a field of deep plum.

Ashanti weavers of Ghana, West Africa, made this blanket in wool in the 20th century. Ashanti cloth is widely associated with status and ceremony, and cloths like this were often worn wrapped or kept for important occasions. The panel is divided into a grid of small squares, each worked in orange, green, yellow and cream with birds, fish and floral shapes. Narrow striped borders frame both ends, and the ground has the soft nap of age.

About 74 by 111 inches. Hang it and the room acquires a bestiary.