Wallet or purse

This black leather wallet or purse was made in Nigeria around 1970.

The wallet is lined with black rayon. It has three internal sections and a zipped pocket on the reverse. The front flap is decorated with a woven panel of coloured cotton and blue rayon thread. This type of cotton is known as 'Kente'.

Kente cloth was developed in the 17th century by the Ashanti people of West Africa, although the weaving process dates back to ancient West African Kingdoms that flourished between 300 AD and 1600 AD. Originally Kente cloth was not meant to be used for everyday wear and was reserved for special social and sacred functions. There are over 300 different types of cloth designs, each with its own name. Colours are chosen for their visual effect and symbolic meanings.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-000-057-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1995.622
Date:	Around 1970 c. 1970
Material:	Leather and metal and plastic and rayon and cotton
Dimensions:	178 mm L x 102 mm W
What:	Purse
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Ghana
Event:
Description:	Purse of black leather and kente cloth of Ewe design, lined with black rayon: West Africa, Ghana, c. 1970
References:	www.anet.com/~midwest/history
Translations:
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