Dida Ceremonial Cloth Cote d’Ivoire 20th century Raffia fiber, natural dyes; interlacing, off-loom weave with diagonal warps and wefts, shaped and tied resist-dye technique 25 x 19 ins (63.5 x 48 cm) The crisp, puckered and crinkled surface of Dida raffia cloth is an essential aspect of its visual charisma. The designs – composed of tied and resist-dyed lozenge and circular shapes in earthy shades of red, yellow, orange and black – rely on the erratic shapes, irregular scales, and variable stitch markings within, or radiating around, the dimensional motifs to complicate simple geometric arrangements. These small panels were apparently used as costume accessories and flourished in the hand while dancing. Price on request
