Sierra Leonean Garra, or Gara, cloth. Rectangular damask cotton textile decorated with light brown and original cream-coloured tie-dye patterns on an indigo ground ('Siti' pattern). The damask pattern consists of bands containing wider and narrower stripes. The tie-dyed pattern consists of curved bands of cream, alternating with bands decorated with short stripes in brown and indigo.
This is a piece of Sierra Leonean garra, or gara, cloth. Garra is produced by applying cassava or potato starch to a piece of imported cotton, and then folding or tucking the cloth, and securing it using cotton or raffia string. The cloth is then dyed, traditionally using indigo, and beaten to produce a stiff shiney surface. This example was made by Mrs Kamara Katiatu.
