Vintage Collectible African Bamileke Ndop Indigo Denim Throw 90”Lx 47”w | No. 75

Details

Description

Bamileke Ndop cloth is a traditional Cameroonian fabric with a long history, first imported around 1910 and then locally produced, … Read more Bamileke Ndop cloth is a traditional Cameroonian fabric with a long history, first imported around 1910 and then locally produced, used by the Bamileke people to signify royal privilege, social status, and cultural heritage. Its history involves complex, labor-intensive techniques like raffia resist-dyeing, and the fabric holds significant symbolic meaning in Bamileke culture, often used in ceremonies and for elite adornment. The cloth's production was historically a collaborative effort and is now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity candidate, facing modernization challenges while still being a vital part of Bamileke identity.


History and production-


Origins: The technique for Ndop cloth may have originated in eastern Nigeria, with local production beginning around 1910 in Cameroon after the cloth was imported to the Grassfields from the Upper Benue River region.

Production process: The creation of Ndop fabric is a labor-intensive, multi-stage process.

Weaving: Cotton is hand-woven into narrow strips called "gabaga" in northern Cameroon.

Sewing: These strips are then sewn together by hand to create larger pieces of fabric.

Dyeing: The fabric is dyed with a deep indigo color, derived from local plants, which represents spiritual protection, peace, stability, and divinity.

Embroidering and resist-dyeing: Women then stitch raffia patches in intricate geometric patterns onto the fabric before it's dyed again.

Finishing: After the final dyeing, the raffia is removed to reveal the intricate white patterns on the blue background.


Cultural significance-


Status symbol: Traditionally, Ndop was reserved for kings (fon), nobles, and powerful secret societies, symbolizing their royal privilege, power, and status.

Ceremonial use: The cloth is used in a variety of ceremonies, including royal coronations, funerals, and royal displays.

Symbolic meaning: The colors and patterns have deep symbolic meaning, with the indigo color representing the spiritual and divine, while geometric and figurative motifs represent concepts like duality, fertility, protection, and wisdom.


These gorgeous textiles are perfect for styling and photo props, as a rug, wall decor, blanket, draped over a couch, or a beach blanket. They are also used to make pillows or upholster chairs. Each is very unique, no two are alike.


• 100% cotton


• Color: indigo + white patterns


• This is an extremely rare piece and I am honored to have it in my collection! In absolutely gorgeous condition.


These textiles are vintage and show signs of wear consistent with age and history. They may have imperfections, small holes, fringes, frays, patches, or stains that add beautiful and unique character to each piece. These are not considered defects.


This textile has been carefully washed and dried in the California sunshine, ready for you to Enjoy!


CARE: hand wash or machine wash gentle cycle in cold water. Lay flat or hang to dry.


Measures: 90” length x 47” wide See less