Couverture personnages (character blanket)

Four broad figures—two men and two women—populate this vibrant, gridded scene. Alternating blocks of black, red, blue, and blue-grey form bands that separate the figures from each other and frame the perimeter of the textile. There are additional red and black columnar blocks in the upper corners of each section, situating the figures within an architectural space. Such charismatic representations are commissioned from a master weaver for presentation to a bride and groom at their wedding. They are used to adorn the walls of the couple’s home during the event. Subsequently, the couple might use the textile as a bed covering or sell it at market to supplement their new life together. This weaving is likely an example of the latter practice; it was acquired by the donor at a trading post in Mopti, Mali in 1985.

Departing from Fulani weaving traditions of arkilla kunta and arkilla kerka wedding hangings, such schematic, figurative compositions are associated with a cohort of Malian weavers initiated by Abdurrahman Bura Bocoum in the 1960s. He is regarded as the first Fulani weaver to have included human and animal figures in his designs. Following the 1968 Malian coup d'état, many of his creations incorporated soldiers, an element embraced by future generations of this tradition. Bocoum was succeeded by at least three weavers: Jaara Ila Jigannde, Mama Diarra Kiba, and (the most celebrated) Oumar Bocoum.

The style of this couverture personnages closely aligns with that of Oumar Bocoum. Wide, geometric figures are animated by bright blocks of alternating color, creating a festival-like atmosphere that might be associated with weddings. However, subtle details—including the rounded, protruding ears and sharply angled shoulders—suggest the hand of another master. That artist expertly aligned the composition across the sixteen narrow bands that comprise this textile. Indeed, close observation reveals almost perfect continuity of motifs across the bands. That mathematical precision required incredible skill and coordination as the weaver calculated the weft across the 160 feet of warp.