Central and West African textiles in our collection were used in ceremonies and domestic settings. A highlight is raffia cloth from the Kuba kingdom in the central Congo basin. From North Africa, we have textiles from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt, including Berber textiles.
Royal tunic, Bamum people, Cameroon, 1900-1925, 2007.30.3.
Hanging with figure holding a basket, Egypt, 4th/5th century, 71.10.
Sash, Morocco, Fez, possibly 18th century, 74.5.
Tent panel (detail), West Africa, Mali, 1940s, 1977.23.2.
Crown, Benin, 20th century, 2017.14.12.
Wrapped dress, Cameroon, Hausa people, c. 1950, 24.5.
Curtain, Algeria, 18th/19th century, 76.1.
Woman's festive headcover, Tunisia, Kerkennah Islands, 1900-1950, 2003.26.2.
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