This textile is woven and dyed in Nigeria, by the Tiv people. Woven out of cotton and died from indigo dyes. Textiles of this configuration, of this shape, i.e., long and narrow (3 or 4 bands only), are used by Tiv women as "head ties": they wrap their hairdo in these as a very elegant accessory. Head ties of this nature would normally be made to match whatever wraparound skirt they would wear with it. This pattern is representative of a lions' paws which gives this design its name.

We find that these are especially useful in cultures outside of Africa as scarves, shawls or table runners.

This is a traditionally woven and dyed textile but is not one that has been used already, not vintage; we cannot guarantee that this textile will not run if washed. We recommend dry cleaning methods to avoid running very carefully hand washing.

This textile measures 70 1/2 x 16 1/2" (179 x 42 cm)