Mat, D2012.96

Lengths of grass fibres laid together and then wrapped with thicker/wider lengths of grass fibre - starting at a central point and then coiled. Each coil is attached to the previous coil with this thicker/wider grass wrapping. Coils are intermittently of coloured wrapping of red, black, and natural (light yellow/tan). The central 2-4 (?) coils are hidden by a single wrapping. From the first exposed coil at the centre out to the edge there are 27 coils. Counting from the edge towards the centre, the polychrome patterning on coils 8,9,10, 11, and 12 form a pattern of 5 pyramids equally distributed around the centre (with tops of pyramids facing the centre). The final product is of a firm, sturdy and slightly flexible polychrome flat plate. Overall appearance is of a well made, little used, but aged grass plate in good condition.

Lengths of grass fibres laid together and then wrapped with thicker/wider lengths of grass fibre - starting at a central point and then coiled. Each coil is attached to the previous coil with this thicker/wider grass wrapping. Coils are intermittently of coloured wrapping of red, black, and natural (light yellow/tan). The central 2-4 (?) coils are hidden by a single wrapping. From the first exposed coil at the centre out to the edge there are 27 coils. Counting from the edge towards the centre, the polychrome patterning on coils 8,9,10, 11, and 12 form a pattern of 5 pyramids equally distributed around the centre (with tops of pyramids facing the centre). The final product is of a firm, sturdy and slightly flexible polychrome flat plate. Overall appearance is of a well made, little used, but aged grass plate in good condition.

Diameter of plate = approx. 326mm. Thickness of plate (2nd coil from edge) = approx. 7.8mm. —Joel A Vanderburg

Donated by: Mrs Muriel Newnham

Locality: Nigeria