African Textiles

The African continent is home to many textile traditions, each with its own rich symbolism and cultural significance. African Textiles takes a deep dive into this ancient yet enduring art form, exploring its amazing diversity and its echoes in modern art, design and fashion worldwide. Inside this expansive tome, you’ll find three main chapters, each devoted to a different part of sub-Saharan Africa. These chapters are further split into several sections by country, all introduced in brief yet fascinating essays that explore the unique materials, natural resources, weaving techniques and dye processes that go into creating the region’s textiles, as well as the many ways that culture, history, religion and outside influences have shaped their craft. Following this text, the book dives into image after image of gorgeous garments and fabrics sourced both private and public collections. These examples are all paired with an informative blurb detailing everything from how the piece was made to when it would have been worn or used, as well as the meanings behind its colors, motifs or imagery. Flip through these pages and find reproductions of everything from a talismanic tunic from Senegal, earthy bark cloth from Uganda and Zambia and scenic royal banners from Benin to geometric-patterned kente cloths from Ghana, intricately embroidered boubou tilbi from Mali and so much more. A stunning and informative tribute to one of the world’s oldest and most influential art forms, African Textiles belongs on the coffee table or bookshelf of anyone with an interest in global textiles.

 

•by Duncan Clarke, Vanessa Drake Morgana and Sarah Fee
•foreword by Mabatngoup Ly Dumas
•clothbound hardcover
•448 pages 

 

•10.25″W x 1.75″D x 13.75″H