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Nigeria Gallery Page 11

CODE#: NW388

PRICE: US$875

Measurements: 77ins x 55ins, 196cm x 137cm

This is an old two panel marriage cloth from the north eastern Yoruba town of Esie, whose people belong to the ancient kingdom of Igbomina. Related to the "elejo" cloth on the next page, the design, which represents a range of animals, Koran boards and other motifs framed by a zigzag is called "alara" which means "something wonderful." This was the most prestigious and rarest of a series of five marriage cloths which a woman might weave for her daughter, and was used only in the most wealthy and important families. Only a handful have been collected and very few remain in circulation. It is in good condition and probably dates from early to mid C20th. 

(c) Duncan Clarke, Version 4/14/2008