Ewe Strip-Woven Cloth

Black and white only, and still a riot of little diamonds.

Ewe weavers of Togo or Ghana, West Africa, made this strip-woven cloth in cotton in the 20th century. The Ewe are known for narrow-strip weaving, with strips commonly sewn together into wrapped cloth. A repeating lattice of small pale diamond motifs spreads over a charcoal ground, giving the surface a quiet, soft-grey effect from across the room. Dark bands with white dashes run along the two ends. The weave looks even and dry, with a slightly rumpled drape.

About 86 by 117 inches. The most formal thing you can put on a bed without it feeling stiff.