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Unknown Maker

Gara cloth
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Maker

Unknown Maker

Title

Gara cloth

Year

1968

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Geography

Geographic Reference: Matotoka, Sierra Leone

Dimensions

Width: 114.3 cm (45 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of John and Joanna McWilliam

Object Number

2023.44.5

Type

Exhibition History

Art and Design from 1900 to Now
Jun 04, 2022 – Dec 01, 2030

Label copy

In the West African country of Sierra Leone, gara cloth is the name for cotton textiles typically resist-dyed by women in a variety of patterns, including undulating designs like the one on this length. Its blue color came from the leaves of the locally grown Yoruba indigo plant, and the light browns from crushed native kola nuts. The overall sheen was produced by repeatedly pounding the cloth.

A significant cultural symbol, gara is worn during important events or used for special household furnishings. This textile was given in 1968 by the community of Matotaka to John McWilliam in gratitude for his friendship and service as the village’s first Peace Corps volunteer. McWilliam donated it to the RISD Museum in 2023.

–Kate Irvin, curator of costume and textiles

Image use

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In copyright This object is in copyright

Tombstone

Unknown Maker
Gara cloth, 1968
Cotton and rayon satin weave, stitch-resist-dyed using kola nut and indigo
Width: 114.3 cm (45 inches)
Gift of John and Joanna McWilliam 2023.44.5

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