Bed Tent (Kereka)

The Fulani are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. Socially, the Fulani are divided into three classes: the nobles, the serfs, and the caste, who are the artisans. The weavers, known as Maboube, form one of the largest castes. Fulani weavers from the inland delta region of Mali are noted for their fine wool textiles known as kereka. Suspended as a wall hanging or bed tent, a kereka protects against the cold and mosquitoes. Each kereka is made from six long, woven strips of heavy wool fabric that are sewn together to create a wide cloth. Woven in traditional colors of red, black, white, and yellow, kereka use a system of distinctive geometric motifs whose interpretations have changed over time. Because the making of these beautiful covers is an important event, the wealthy patron who commissions one is obligated to host special ceremonies. Today the use of kereka is rapidly declining due to the prevalence of modern mosquito nets.