Garra Cloth

A piece of garra cloth. Garra refers to a method of dying which involves Preparing the cotton by starching, then folding or tucking the cloth, and securing it with raffia or cotton string. When dyed, the dye does not penetrate the parts where it has been folded or tucked, leaving a geometric pattern. This example has been folded and dyed indigo, to create a pattern of eight zigzags, with sets of small circles in a diamond pattern between each zigzag. Two of the circles have been left untied.

Further Information

  • Type: Textiles, cloth
  • Object: Garra Cloth
  • Materials: Textile
  • Culture Group: Mende
  • Dimensions: 495mm x 330mm x 25mm [folded]
  • Production Date: Pre 1960
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
  • Museum: Glasgow Museums
  • Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.hc

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