Click
on the image above to visit our new resource section

 

Includes a display of early C20th studio photography by A. James from Guinea.

Latest update is an exhibit of political prints from francophone Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Duncan Clarke, Version 6/23/2008

Over the following pages we will be introducing you to some of the best known types of African textiles plus a few of our favourites. Each page gives a brief account of the origins and uses of the cloths, before showing you some examples of high quality pieces. Most of the African textiles displayed are for sale but you are more than welcome to just look and enjoy them. Follow the links or click the pictures below to see more....

An official of the Asantehene, king of the Asante people of Ghana, wearing an old adinkra cloth, Kumasi 1997. (c)D.Clarke

SPECIAL OFFER: 10% Discount on orders of 2 or more cloths*

Click on the pictures to go straight to the cloths, or on the text link if you want some introductory information first. Click here for our newly revised and expanded introduction to African textiles.

 SALE Gallery here

All cloths in this section US$75 or $200 . 

ADINKRA: hand-printed cloths from the Ashanti kingdom in Ghana   

ADIRE: the celebrated indigo resist-dyed cloths of the Yoruba from Nigeria 

GOWNS: hand-embroidered ceremonial robes of the Yoruba and Hausa from Nigeria 

AKUNITAN: Asante "Cloth of the great."

ASAFO: spectacular appliqué flags of the Fante people from coastal Ghana  

ASO OKE: hand-woven narrow strip cloths of the Yoruba and other Nigerian male weavers.   Updated April 14 2008

BOGOLAN: hand-painted mud cloth from Mali 

EWE: beautiful narrow-strip "kente" cloths from the Ewe people of Ghana and Togo. Updated 25 May 2008

Francophone West Africa: Part One - Côte D'Ivoire - rare textiles from the Bondoukou region here. Part two -Mali, Senegal, Togo etc Updated 25 May 2008

INDIGO: blue dyed cloths from across West Africa.

KENTE: the famous strip woven cloth of the Ashanti kingdom in Ghana.  

MBUTI - graphic barkcloths from the Mbuti "pygmies" of the Ituri forest.

NIGERIA: the weaving traditions of Igbo, Yoruba, and Nupe women in Nigeria Updated April 14 2008

CAPE VERDE PANOS - remarkable indigo cloths from Cabo Verde

If you don't see the cloth you are looking for in these galleries we would be happy to discuss your interests and see if we can help. We have many other African cloths in stock and a regular flow of new acquisitions. You are welcome to contact us: adire@btinternet.com

* If the cheaper cloth costs less than 10% of combined total you get it free.