Baule Cloth Cushion (83.2.b69)

In Cote d’Ivoire, the fabric is affectionly called “pagne Baoule”. The textile clearly finds its name and roots from the Baoule, Akan people of Cote d’Ivoire, but us more originating from the 16th century Ashanti Kingdom, which empire stretched from present day countries of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. For centuries, the fabric has been adorned during community gatherings, special events and traditional proceedings and festivities. For many local communities, the fabric is the main source of revenue. In the small town of Sakiare its reported that 95% of the villagers are weavers.