Dida Ceremonial Raffia Tie-Dye Textile Côte d'Ivoire 14.5x12.5 Inch

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.

Damage/Repair: Worn spots, frayed edges; see photos for details

A very stretchy, small textile made out of raffia fibers decorated with dyed lines. Fabric is a tube not a flat piece. Stand not included.

The Dida people, who inhabit the Ivory-Coast, have a rich cultural heritage that includes the art of raffia tie-dye. This traditional craft involves using a combination of natural materials and dyes to create intricate patterns and designs on raffia cloth.

The process of making the ceremonial raffia tie-dye starts with the collection of raffia leaves. The leaves are then stripped and cleaned before being boiled in water to soften them. After this, the raffia is dried and sorted according to its quality and color.

The next step in the process is to tie the raffia cloth with string or rubber bands to create patterns. These patterns can be simple or complex, depending on the skill level of the artist. Once the cloth is tied, it is dipped into a solution of natural dyes made from plants and other organic materials.

The dyeing process is usually done in several stages, with the raffia cloth being left to dry between each stage. This allows the dye to fully penetrate the fibers and create a vibrant and long-lasting color.

After the final dyeing stage, the raffia cloth is washed and dried before being ironed to remove any wrinkles. The tied patterns are then carefully removed, revealing the intricate designs created by the dyeing process.

The finished product is a beautiful and unique piece of art that can be used in various ceremonial contexts, such as weddings and funerals. It is also used for clothing and home décor, and has become increasingly popular in the global market as a sustainable and eco-friendly textile.

Overall, the Dida ceremonial raffia tie-dye is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Ivory-Coast's cultural heritage, and a beautiful example of traditional textile art.

For ceremonial occasions they plait strands of raphia into loincloth or skirts, cloaks and kerchiefs, giving them patterns by means of tied resists and dyeing them with natural dyes in a color palette of forest colors. Red and black on a yellowish are preferred. All motifs are formed solely by variations in the tie and dye technique.

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