Cloth in West African History (African Archaeology Series)

In this holistic approach to the study of textiles and their makers, Colleen Kriger charts the role cotton has played in commercial, community, and labor settings in West Africa. By paying close attention to the details of how people made, exchanged, and wore cotton cloth from before industrialization in Europe to the twentieth century, she is able to demonstrate some of the cultural effects of Africa's long involvement in trading contacts with Muslim societies and with Europe. Cloth in West African History thus offers a fresh perspective on the history of the region and on the local, regional, and global processes that shaped it. A variety of readers will find its account and insights into the African past and culture valuable, and will appreciate the connections made between the local concerns of small-scale weavers in African villages, the emergence of an indigenous textile industry, and its integration into international networks. Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents List of Figures, Tables, and Maps Foreword by Graham Connah Preface Maps 1 Cloth in History 2 From Kings and Priests to Brides 3 Muslim Garments and the Morality of Dress 4 The Worlds of Indigo Blue 5 Textiles, Culture, and Historical Change Glossary of Technical Terms Bibliography Index About the Author 1. Cloth In History -- 2. From Kings And Priests To Brides -- 3. Muslim Garments And The Morality Of Dress -- 4. The Worlds Of Indigo Blue -- 5. Textiles, Culture, And Historical Change. Colleen E. Kriger ; Foreword By Graham Connah. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 187-203) And Index. Charts the role cotton has played in commercial, community, and labor settings. This book focuses on the details of how people made, exchanged, and wore cotton cloth from before industrialization in Europe to the twentieth century.