Woman' skirt c. 20th century

Editor: This is an interesting textile work titled "Woman's skirt," likely crafted in the 20th century by Djotene Tarawale. It's a cotton piece with a strong geometric pattern. I'm struck by how ordered, but at the same time, somewhat imperfect the pattern is, with each shape seemingly hand-drawn. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, it's tempting to see the "imperfection" as flaws, but what if it's a fingerprint, a moment where the artist, or more accurately, the artisan's hand speaks volumes? Djotene's culture prized handcrafted goods for their individual, palpable energy, the *nyama* woven directly in! Think of it less as falling short of perfection and more of an embodiment of lived, living tradition. Editor: That's a great point; I was too focused on a Western idea of perfection. But the grid pattern—it feels very modern, doesn’t it? Curator: Ah, grids! They crop up everywhere, don't they? Mondrian’s canvases come to mind but let's remember that this pattern predates much modern art we know. This repetitive yet individually crafted nature suggests more than just surface decoration. Have you ever considered how everyday wear, like this skirt, served as a powerful mode of personal expression for women? How this grid, those motifs could’ve been signifiers in the fabric of their society? What secrets do you imagine are locked in its weft and weave? Editor: I didn't consider it could contain deeper messages woven right into the pattern. Curator: Precisely! It whispers tales of tradition, identity and artistic agency. Editor: I'm definitely going to look at textiles differently now. The idea that these aren't just objects but encoded stories, makes the work so much richer! Curator: That’s exactly the power of looking, isn’t it? To unlock and find yourself woven into these seemingly simple surfaces.