I bought this fantastic textile in Kabul and then it took me years to find out what it was and where it was from.

The dealer I bought it from had no idea. There’s some similarity to the structure and technique of a phulkari, but it just wasn’t reading Sindh or Sikh. Plus, it’s bigger than a dupatta, and the colors really had me confused.

I was out of my textile depth until a chance encounter with someone who knew Western African textiles better than I do (not hard) suggested it was from Côte d'Ivoire. I’ve learned a little more about this textile after that person’s kindly point in the right direction.

This is a rare Baoulé people kit pagne (wrapper). Many of the others I’ve seen are dyed and woven, not embroidered. Here’s an image of a similar one from deep inside the internet.

I’m thinking this one was made in the colors of the Ivorian flag circa, oh, let’s say 1958, to celebrate Ivorian independence. What a great story this textile could tell.

A few stains which (I think) don’t distract or detract much at all.

Handwoven handspun cotton base. 14 skinny panels stitched together. Silk floss embroidery.

Measures approximately 72 × 119”