Handwoven Baule Cloth – Bondoukou, Ivory Coast 176 × 110 cm

Vintage Handwoven Baule Cloth – Bondoukou (176 × 110 cm)

This authentic Handwoven Baule cloths piece hails from Bondoukou, Côte d'Ivoire, skillfully crafted on a horizontal treadle loom. Narrow strips are expertly sewn together, forming a richly detailed, vintage African artisan textile.

• 📍 Origin: Bondoukou, Ivory Coast / Côte d'Ivoire
• 📏 Dimensions: 176 × 110 cm (69 ½″ × 43 ¼″)
• 🧵 Technique: Handwoven on a horizontal treadle loom; joined strip weaving
• 📦 Condition: Very good vintage condition; minor stains, a few small holes, light wear from age/use

This traditional “woman‑size” cloth remains actively used among Ivory Coast communities and is cherished by collectors and design enthusiasts. Perfect as a wall hanging, bed or sofa throw this piece beautifully balances aesthetic allure with cultural authenticity.

About Baule Cloth

Baule (pronounced “bah‑LAY”) cloths are meticulously handwoven by artisans in Côte d’Ivoire using narrow‑loom strip weaving. Each strip is joined by hand, creating expansive textiles featuring motifs derived from nature, community stories, and spiritual symbols. Common materials include locally grown cotton often dyed using traditional plant‑based indigo, ochre, and clay pigments.

Symbols woven into Baule cloth often depict animals, foliage, and geometric shapes. These motifs carry layered meaning representing fertility, prosperity, moral values, or mythological tales. In Ivory Coast, such textiles serve multiple roles: they’re worn as ceremonial attire (especially by women), exchanged during rites of passage, used in domestic contexts, or displayed as status-signifying décor.

The history of Baule cloth dates back centuries, rooted in the cultural heritage of the Baule people. Originating from horizontal treadle looms introduced in the region, the tradition evolved into narrow‑loom weaving a technique passed through generations. The cloth’s authentic beauty and technical precision reflect a deep interweaving of artistry, symbolism, and community identity.

With its vintage character minor stains and wear included this Baule textile is not just décor; it’s a cultural narrative, a functional heirloom, and a collector’s treasure.

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• TribalGH Cloths & Textiles Collection
• TribalGH Ashanti Kente Cloths Collection