medium blue gingham with openwork designs in blue of scrolling S-shapes and squares flanked by pairs of bars; fragments of cloth stitched together

"Pelete bite" lower wrapper, late 19th century

Kalabariexpand_more

Cottonexpand_more

Gift of Joanne B. Eicherexpand_more  2016.117.2

Not on Viewexpand_more

Kalabari men and women of Nigeria occasionally wear a unique cloth called "pelete bite" (“cut-thread cloth”), which is created by altering fabrics imported from India. Starting with existing striped or checked patterns, new designs are made by cutting parts of the white threads with a razor and removing them. The technique also produces little holes, adding to the visual effect. The women who create "pelete bite" are important figures in Kalabari society: artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Their art transforms imported cloth into a cultural symbol.

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Details
Title
"Pelete bite" lower wrapper
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2016.117.2
Curator Approved

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medium blue gingham with openwork designs in blue of scrolling S-shapes and squares flanked by pairs of bars; fragments of cloth stitched together

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