Silk in Africa

Description

This text explores the rich and diverse range of silk and textiles from Africa. Focusing on over 30 pieces from the British Museum's collection, it brings together traditions of silk weaving and embroidery from throughout the African continent. These range from textiles commissioned by royalty to multi-coloured burial shrouds. The authors also discuss the makers of the textiles, how ideas travelled across the continent and the significance of pattern and symbolism.

Chris Spring and Julie Hudson have both travelled in Africa and are the joint authors of North African Textiles. Chris Spring is a curator in the Department of Ethnography, The British Museum, and in addition is the author of African Textiles, African Arms and Armour, and co-author of African Textile Design. Julie Hudson is a curator in the Department of Ethnography, The British Museum, and among her particular areas of interest are the textiles of Tunisia.