collar scarf

Golden yellow stool thrones alternate with black and white squares and stripes in this bold cotton kente scarf. Ghana's Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family selects the Fiazikpui pattern for a scarf of three fabric strips.

The Fiazikpui motif is created primarily on the weft, or horizontal threads of the loom. The design, which means, "Seat of a King," originated in the 14th century to honor one of the head chiefs or kings of what is now Ghana.

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern.

Woven by hand, three strips of traditional West African kente cloth become a colorful scarf. Deborah Osei Boakye continues her grandfather's craft with this extraordinary design. Each strip of kente cloth requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Each color has its own meanings in Ashanti culture, and the patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names. This design is named Nsatsia, meaning "fingers" in the Akan language. Its motifs suggest interlocking fingers from both hands.

Expertly hand-dyed and block-printed by artisans from the Women’s Self-Help Groups in Rajasthan, this ombre cotton scarf boasts delightful duck and chevron patterns that catch the eye. Designed by Indian artisan Savini, it is adorned with vibrant shades that range from orange to purple, adding a pop of color to your look.

Golden yellow stool thrones alternate with black and white squares and stripes in this bold cotton kente scarf. Ghana's Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family selects the Fiazikpui pattern for a scarf of two fabric strips.

The "Fiazikpui" motif is created primarily on the weft, or horizontal threads of the loom. The design, which means, "Seat of a King," originated in the 14th century to honor one of the head chiefs or kings of what is now Ghana.

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern.

Golden yellow stool thrones alternate with black and white squares and stripes in this bold cotton kente scarf. Ghana's Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family selects the Fiazikpui pattern for a scarf of one single fabric strip.

The "Fiazikpui" motif is created primarily on the weft, or horizontal threads of the loom. The design, which means, "Seat of a King," originated in the 14th century to honor one of the head chiefs or kings of what is now Ghana.

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern.

In colors of kelly green, maize, and charcoal, zigzags, geometric patterns, and small stripes decorate this Ghanaian shawl. Akoma of West Africa presents this scarf, which is handwoven from a rayon and cotton blend to create three strips of kente fabric that are sewn together.

The intricate texture in this handsome kente cloth shawl is inspired by beach pebbles. Designed by a fisherman around 1898, its name means "pebbles of the shore are hard to crack." The tiny blocks of pattern represent the thoughts of that ancestral craftsman. Handcrafted by the Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family, this extraordinary double weave textile is one of the most difficult patterns to achieve. These expert weavers use traditional looms and a cotton blend.

Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. But patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns, where the warp design is hardly visible, can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging, and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

Resembling stars against a celadon sky, colorful geometric patterns decorate this wool area rug from India. Sonik Sethi presents this rug, which features a scarlet border and stripes. This fringed home decor accessory is handwoven on a traditional loom by local artisans.

The Indian region shows its marvelous style with an exquisite creation by Ashfaq Ahmed. Inheritor of unique looming techniques, the artisan handcrafts this distinguished rug from wool yarns, merging alabaster, scarlet and russet shades in a geometric diamond pattern that evokes the nation's luxurious tradition. As the final touch, graceful fringes complete the piece.