African Textiles

This book offers a comprehensive look at the rich diversity of African textiles, highlighting their cultural significance and artistic beauty. African Textiles serves as an essential reference.

This landmark volume explores one of the world's major art forms, highlighting its significant influence on contemporary fashion. African Textiles showcases the rich tapestry of textile traditions across the African continent, many of which date back to ancient times. These vibrant fabrics serve multiple purposes: they not only signify wealth and status but also carry deep symbolic meanings, while fulfilling practical roles in everyday and ceremonial garments.

The book presents a stunning array of textiles, from the geometric kente cloths of Ghana to the colorful raffia skirts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the intricate beaded barkcloths once reserved for Ugandan royalty. The authors, all leading experts in the field, delve into the diverse regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, providing insights into the aesthetic qualities, cultural significance, and production techniques of each textile tradition.

Illustrated with over 300 exceptional textiles from both public and private collections, African Textiles allows readers to appreciate the intricate details of each piece through full-page plates. This impressive clothbound volume serves as a key reference for students and scholars, an essential sourcebook for designers, and a delightful resource for all art enthusiasts, making it a must-have for anyone interested in the beauty and complexity of African textile art.