A centerpiece of The Met x Bolé Road Textiles collection, the Kpoikpoi Throw is an homage to an extraordinary African textile in The Met’s  holdings. Woven in early 20th-century Sierra Leone by Mende or Vai artisans, the original kpoikpoi, or prestige hanging, is a monumental work—over 13 feet long—with an expansive five-panel textile construction featuring intricate, alternating blocks of geometric motifs. Hana had admired this piece for years before it became the foundation for this reinterpretation. In her version, the essence of the kpoikpoi is preserved, while a vibrant new color story of orange poppy, pink, and teal reimagines its traditional palette through a modern lens. The throw is handwoven in Ethiopia in three separate panels, joined with traditional wef igir (“bird’s foot”) stitching. Rod pockets at both ends offer the option to display the piece as a wall hanging, a nod to its origins as a ceremonial textile. Woven in Ethiopia from handspun cotton, this throw presents a technical challenge: aligning the geometric patterns across panels requires great precision and skill. The master weavers and seamstresses worked diligently to achieve this balance. Crafted by Bolé Road’s longtime partners at Sabahar, this throw is a vibrant celebration of African textile traditions—past, present, and future. - Handwoven in Ethiopia - 33x104" - Poppy, Orchid, Hot Pink, Sand, Teal - 100% Ethiopian Cotton