Yoruba Boy's trousers c. 20th century

These Yoruba Boy's trousers were fabricated by an unknown Yoruba artist, and although the date is unknown, they speak volumes. Imagine the artist carefully selecting the dye for that vibrant blue. I can almost feel the texture of the fabric and see them meticulously imprinting the stripes. The imperfection of the lines gives a sense of the hand-made. I wonder if they were thinking about the child who would wear these trousers, perhaps hoping to bring them joy and comfort. The artist's intention—to clothe and protect—is evident in every stitch. It reminds me of the work of Rosie Lee Tompkins, who pieced together quilts with such raw emotion and care. There is such warmth here, reminding us that art is a conversation across time and cultures. It is a testament to the power of human creativity and the desire to connect with one another.