Ewe Strip-Woven Cloth

A patchwork grid that looks like it was planned by a very cheerful accountant.

This strip-woven cotton cloth was made by Ewe weavers of Ghana, West Africa, in the 20th century. Strip weaving produces narrow bands of cloth that are stitched together, and Ewe cloths are commonly worn wrapped around the body for important occasions. Here, blocks of deep blue, purple and red are checked across the field, and thin lines of yellow and green float over the dark ground. There is some visible fading and a lighter patch near the center.

About 75 by 121 inches. Hang it, drape it, or toss it over a sofa that needs ideas.