Baule Cloth Yvory Coast

The Baule cloths, known locally as “pagne Baoulé,” are narrow-loom weavings made by the Baule people of Côte d’Ivoire. Handwoven from cotton or cotton-silk blends, each textile features symbolic motifs—geometric patterns, ancestral masks, animals—that carry deep cultural meaning: protection, prosperity, identity.

Traditionally, these textiles were worn or exchanged during ceremonies and trade, signifying status, lineage, or spiritual connection. The weaving process involves meticulously drawn warp threads and shuttle weaving, often taking several days per cloth.

Dating back to the 16th-century Ashanti influence, Baule weaving evolved into a refined art form. Over centuries, these cloths shaped social life in Ivory Coast—used in marriage dowries, rites of passage, and as symbols of wealth and community.

Today, vintage Baule cloths are treasured by collectors and design enthusiasts for their rich visual storytelling and tactile beauty. Displayed as textile art or functional décor, they infuse any space with West African elegance and history.

Size & Dimensions:

•       "Lapa" size: Approximately 38" - 45" wide x 63" - 68" long
•       Sizes may vary due to handmade nature