Ndop cloth
20th century
Secrets Embedded in Symbols
Blue cloths with white ideograms call people to attention in parts of Cameroon. They proclaim that it is time for law enforcement-someone is about to face the consequences of causing trouble or acting irresponsibly. Some are worn as skirts by leaders, while others are hung behind thrones or stools, like those seen in the center of this gallery.
Leaders can read the secrets embedded in the signs which are known as nsibidi. This term is derived from a verb that signifies a person who is mentally agile, able to be cunning and play with double meanings. Unlike most writing systems which strive to reveal knowledge, nsibidi is designed to conceal it from those who haven't passed a sequence of ritual tests.
One sign that is generally known is that of triangular patterns, which symbolize a leopard's spots or claws and remind viewers that the initiated members of the Leopard Society are in charge of the proceedings. With such a cloth, ritual space is charged and ready for serious discussions to begin.
Cotton, strip weave, and tritik with indigo dye
220 x 78 in. (558.8 x 198.12 cm)
Gift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company
81.17.774
Provenance: Collection of Paul Gebauer (1900-1977), Cameroon; to Katherine White (1929-1980), Seattle, Washington, 1969; bequeathed to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1981
Photo: Paul Macapia
