Vintage Purple Batik 4.3' X 7.75' Cotton Damask Block Print Textile West Africa

Description

DESCRIPTION:  This is a Vintage large Cotton Damask Block Printed Batik Print Textile.  This is one piece of Cotton Damask that has been hand stamped to resist dye
(cassava or wax resist) in design area and create a beautiful contrasting pattern.  The white areas of design are stamp coated with cassava or wax so that the (Purple) dye will not absorb.  After dying the wax is then ironed away, leaving the base color, which is white in this instance.  The hand printed block stamps of geometric and cowrie-shell designs are about 5 3/4" square, and make a striking contrast to the rich purple color.
This traditional Textile is popular in West Africa, and the fabric is typically selected for basis of an outfit consisting of a skirt or wrapper, a top, and a matching fabric head wrap.  Cotton damask is a patterned European cotton fabric distinguished by using a contrasting luster design, and is fancier and "dressier" than regular cotton. You may be familiar with fancy linen or cotton damask tablecloths (
linen is from the flax plant)
usually white, but with a woven design (ex. flowers) that has more sheen than the background cloth.  This particular textile was Printed in The Gambia, West Africa.  This is a  beautiful large piece of fabric that can suit your many creative Designs.
SIZE:  This is one piece of damask cotton fabric, with finished sides (the width edges), but top and bottom are cut and not as exact.  The width is ~52" X 93.5" length.  About 4.3 feet X 7.75 feet long.
WEIGHT: One Pound -will weigh over one pound when packed.
CONDITION:  Very Good condition, no rips or tears. The Block Print has a natural variation, which is normal in a hand printed piece.  Because this is a hand dyed piece I like to use a wash tub outside and soak with salt (about half a cup or so) in cold water (dissolve the salt first).  I let it soak and then rinse until clear (I run the hose into the tub at a trickle for about an hour).  This way you don't risk dying your bathtub or washing machine!  Can be washed alone on gentle in Cold water but I would first check for extra dye and rinse.  I have Not rinsed this textile - original condition, unused.  This is instruction for this type of sturdy fabric only- please consider the needs of each textile separately.
Please use photos to help determine appearance and condition and zoom in as needed.
PLEASE contact me before paying if you are buying multiple items and I will quote for adjusted combined shipping price.  Thanks!
I have been buying Antique Trade Beads for almost 50 years, and had a Wholesale and Retail Bead Store, Folk Art, and Tribal Art Store in Greensboro, NC for some 25 years (Lost and Found Gallery), and am now semi-retired.  We are just beginning to sell on eBay.  Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about these items.
Sorry but we can only ship to the Continental USA at this time, but hope to expand in the near future.
PAYMENT: We accept Paypal, but hope to expand your options in the near future
SHIPP
ING: We Pack very well, insure, and ship USPS Priority*
*Please NOTE: for HEAVY (1 Lb. and over) and LARGE Packages You Can PICK USPS RETAIL GROUND to SAVE MONEY BUT it Takes Much LONGER to Arrive!!  Toggle Choice.