Description
Handwoven baule cloth in vibrant blues, golds, and coral stripes turns a practical tote into a work of art with a deep connection to African artisan traditions. Each bag is stitched by hand in Maai Mahiu, Kenya, using no less than 10 hand-dyed baule cloths from Côte d'Ivoire. The stripes and zigzags aren't just decorative, they often carry cultural meanings of prosperity, protection, or ancestral connection.
A roomy interior pocket keeps small essentials easy to access. No closure, just a simple cotton lining and sturdy leather handles, so the artisan-made cloth takes center stage.
Museum Story
The National Museum of African Art began as a private educational institution in 1964 to promote cross-cultural understanding in the social sciences and arts. Founded by Warren M. Robbins, it was known as the Museum of African Art and located on Capitol Hill in a townhouse that had been the home of Frederick Douglass, the African American abolitionist and statesman. In 1979 the museum became part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
Details
- Cotton, leather
- 18"W x 18.5"H x 5"D
- Spot clean or hand wash gently with mild detergent. To preserve the fabric, avoid bleach and air dry.
- Made in Kenya
