Bamileke Ndop Textile Cameroon 107x18 Inch

The described handwoven textile holds significant cultural and symbolic importance, particularly in relation to kingship and chiefly power. Originating from East-Central Nigeria and introduced to Cameroon by Hausa traders, these textiles gained prominence when adopted by the Bamun Sultan Njoya of Fumba in the late 19th century. Made from cotton dyed with indigo using a resist-dye technique, the cloth features a meticulous process where handspun cotton strips are woven, sewn together, and tightly stitched with raffia before being dyed in indigo. The large, decorative textiles, adorned with patterns related to royalty, including ground plans of royal courts and animals symbolizing political power, were initially used in royal courts and later extended to notabilities. With primary uses tied to the symbolism of chiefly power, status, and funerary rituals, these textiles became integral in official ceremonies, symbolizing the king's power, and were worn by dignitaries as tunics.

We do not recommend laundering textiles and do not accept returns of textiles that have been laundered in any manner. Even dry cleaning is too much for some of these antique textiles. For some of them, a very gentle HAND washing (NEVER MACHINE, on any setting) in cool water with a very gentle detergent works, but even then, dyes may not be colorfast, and fabric may be less strong than it appears.

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