Pelete bite' lower wrapper, late 19th century, 60 1/4 × 39 in. (153.04 × 99.06 cm), Cotton, Nigeria, 19th century, Kalabari men and women of Nigeria occasionally wear a unique cloth called 'pelete bite' ('cut-thread cloth'), which is created by altering fabrics imported from India. Starting with existing striped or checked patterns, new designs are made by cutting parts of the white threads with a razor and removing them. The technique also produces little holes, adding to the visual effect. The women who create 'pelete bite' are important figures in Kalabari society: artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Their art transforms imported cloth into a cultural symbol.
Keywords:
Pelete bite' lower wrapper, late 19th century, Cotton, Nigeria, 19th century, Kalabari men, women, Nigeria occasionally wear, unique cloth, pelete bite, cut-thread cloth, created, altering fabrics imported, India, Starting, existing striped, checked patterns, new designs, cutting parts, white threads, razor, removing, technique, produces little holes, adding, visual effect, women, create pelete bite, important figures, Kalabari society, artists, innovators, entrepreneurs, art transforms imported cloth, cultural symbol
Image ID:
The watermark in the image will not appear on the final download.