Vintage Handwoven Baule Cloth – Bondoukou (Woman 56″×41″)

Vintage Handwoven Baule Cloth – Bondoukou Heirloom (Woman Size)

• Size: Woman size – 56" (142 cm) × 41" (104 cm)
• Origin: Bondoukou town, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)
• Era: 1970s vintage
• Condition: Very good  minor wear & stains, preserving its story
• Weaving Technique: Handwoven on horizontal treadle & narrow looms
• Material & Dye: Hand‑spun cotton with natural dyes

This exquisite Handwoven Baule cloths piece from Bondoukou displays vibrant traditional patterns that reflect the spiritual and communal narratives of the Baule people. Its hand‑stitched narrow‑loom strips showcase meticulous craftsmanship and artistic flair.

🌍 Cultural & Artistic Essence

Baule cloths have always featured prominently in life’s key ceremonies from weddings to funerals serving as visual storybooks of unity, resilience, and spirituality within the community. This cloth's motifs speak of these deep cultural themes, each design a chapter in Baule folklore.

🧵 Weaving Heritage & Symbolism

Crafted using a combination of horizontal treadle and narrow strip looms, thousands of stripes are intricately sewn to form the full cloth. Woven by hand‑spun cotton threads, naturally dyed, this textile reflects both technical mastery and cultural pride. Traditional symbols abstract geometric forms, riverine motifs, and ancestral emblems imbue each strip with meaning, evoking fertility, protection, and shared history.

🏛️ Historical Significance in Ivory Coast

Rooted in the greater Ashanti weaving traditions, Baule cloth has been a key cultural export since the 18th century. In Bondoukou and surrounding regions, these textiles conveyed social status and identity. Today, vintage pieces like this from the 1970s stand as tangible links to the Baule people's artistry and their contribution to West African textile heritage.

🎨 Contemporary Relevance & Timeless Appeal

This Vintage Handwoven Baule Cloth continues to inspire artists and designers globally. Its continued appeal helps support Baule weavers and preserves traditional hand‑looming techniques, while adding a striking, authentic piece of African artisan textile to any collection or creative endeavour.

Explore more Vintage Baule cloths & textiles at TribalGH’s cloths collection

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