Photographs taken by Gavin Ashworth during the summer of 1987 in several villages in Mali and Cote d'Ivoire. The images detail all phases of strip weaving, from the spinning of yarn to the assemblage of the individual strips into large pieces. The still photographs were used in the video which was entitled, produced by Caribiner, Inc. for the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1987. Text accompanying videos for sale reads, "In many areas of West Africa, fabric is woven in long narrow strips. The strips are cut to length and then sewn together to make rectangular cloths with striking geometric patterns. These beautiful cloths are worn as wrappers, shawls, and robes. Originally a slide presentation for an exhibition, the Art of West African Strip-Woven Cloth explores the creative activities of the various artisans involved in textile production: spinners, dyers, weavers, and sewers."

Author

Custodial History note

Images taken and video produced under contract by Gavin Ashworth of Caribiner, Inc., for the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, 1987.

Conditions Governing Access note

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Conditions Governing Use note

Copyright held by the Smithsonian Institution. Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.