Pelete Bite Wrapper 1980s

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fibre-art, textile

fibre-art

textile

geometric pattern

geometric

Dimensions: 71 x 35 1/8 in. (180.34 x 89.22 cm)

This is a Pelete Bite Wrapper by Kalabari, a striking textile artwork residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The visual rhythm is immediately appealing, as is the color palette dominated by a rich red and a contrasting grid. I imagine the artisan deeply engaged in the weaving process, carefully planning and executing each motif— a dance of triangles, squares, and diamonds. It’s like they’re building a story, one thread at a time. Thinking about the creation process, the way each color interacts with the texture of the fabric is key. The red feels warm and inviting. It’s all about touch and feel. This piece shares a dialogue with other textile artists across cultures, each contributing to an ongoing conversation about pattern and meaning. With its precise geometry and repetitive designs, this piece embraces the beauty of the grid, celebrating the harmony of different forms.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

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Kalabari men and women of Nigeria occasionally wear a unique cloth called pelete bite, which is created by altering fabrics imported from India. Starting with existing striped or checked patterns, new designs are made by cutting parts of the white threads with a razor and removing them. A few cut threads are still visible on this example. The technique also produces little holes, adding to the visual effect. The newly created motifs have descriptive names; here, for example, abili (checker board) and etere (mat). The women who create pelete bite are important figures in Kalabari society: artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Their art transforms imported cloth into a cultural symbol.