GJPaw Auctions is very pleased to offer a stunningly beautiful and authentic hand woven natural indigo blue dye Woman's Wrap or Skirt, from the Mossi People, Burkina Faso, West Africa. In West Africa, tribes such as the Dogon and Soninke in Mali, Mossi in Burkina Fasso, and Baule in the Ivory Coast have traditionally dyed indigo textiles. Regardless of tribe, dying is a complex process that can take weeks and requires a high degree of expertise. The dying process is actually considered a special ritual in many of these cultures. Techniques were passed on from mother to daughter or father to son. Because there is mystery surrounding the production of the dye, the color indigo became greatly associated with prestige, wealth, and power. In these cultures the color was typically reserved for ceremonial wear, as indigo dye is considered the richest and most valuable. The color is derived from the indigo plant, Indigofera Tinctoria, which is actually a species of plant from the bean family. The plant grows in tropical and temperate areas of Asia and Africa and has been cultivated for many centuries. This authentic, hand woven woman's wrap is from the Mossi people in Burkina Faso. The white lines and linear dots form a compelling geometric pattern against the indigo backdrop. Patterns such as these were created by tie dying the cloth or applying starchy pastes that would prevent certain areas from becoming dyed. The resulting white and varying depths of blue had meaningful connotations: white symbolized serenity, insight and wisdom, while blue represented balance and depth. This lovely piece has been specially mounted. It measures 43 inches in width by 59 inches in length (109.2 cm by 149.8 cm). It is in very good condition, including an "in-culture" repair. A fabulous collector's item, it comes from an important Midwest collection of African art. Guaranteed authentic, it should be a welcome addition to any collection of African art.