Large ndop cloth composed of twenty panels sewn together with plant fibre. The indigo-dyed panels have been stitched together along the short edge and have off-white designs throughout. Designs are done in vertical bands and filled with geometric and linear motifs. Motifs include: abstract interlocking “X” shapes, dots, zigzags, concentric diamonds, segmented circles, grid-like patterns, and connected lines.

• History Of Use

  Used as a backdrop to define the space for the ruler, his regalia and royal statuary, during public ceremonies such as funerals. Ndop can also be used as wraps in civil ceremonies or as part of masquerades in distinct ritual processes.

• Narrative

  Tchuemegne purchased the Ndop cloth in Bayangam village, western Cameroon, during the funeral of Mr. Bernard Puepi, in Aug. 2020.

• Specific Techniques

  Created by a dye-resistant process, which involves long distance trade and a chain of associates. The cotton cloths are made elsewhere and brought to Bamileke territories where women, specialized in local designs, are commissioned to have them stitched in raffia. The raffia prevents dye from penetrating the cotton threads. The cloth is then shipped to the North, to Islamic specialists in the arts of indigo dying, and is afterwards shipped back to the grass fields where it serves a series of purposes.

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• Type of Item textile
• Culture Bamileke
• Material cotton fibre, indigo dye, plant fibre
• Measurements height 240.8 cm, width 482.9 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
• Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation

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• Made in Cameroon

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• Ownership Date before January 27, 2021
• Acquisition Date on January 27, 2021

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• Item Classes textiles
• Condition poor
• Accession Number 3473/0003