Baule Cloth Cushion (83.8.B69)

Made from pagne Baoulé, the handwoven cloth of the Baoulé — an Akan people of Côte d'Ivoire whose weaving tradition traces to the 16th-century Ashanti Kingdom that once spanned present-day Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. For generations it has been worn at gatherings, ceremonies and celebrations, and in weaving towns such as Sakiaré it remains a livelihood, with nearly the whole village working at the loom.

Each cushion is hand-stitched from individual strips of the cloth, so every one is genuinely one-off. Because the strips are joined by hand, handle it gently — hard tugging can split a seam. Seams are easily re-stitched, but splits caused by use aren't covered by refund or replacement.

As a vintage textile, it may carry small flaws — light staining, tiny holes or patched areas — usually subtle and part of its character. Anything notable is flagged below.

Inner cushion included.

Care: hand wash only — never machine, on any setting — in cool water with a gentle detergent. Even then, the natural dyes may not be fully colourfast.

Size: 50 × 50cm