Femme Skateboard Bundle Set of 5

This bundle contains skateboard decks inspired by Kilim, Yoruba, Suzani, and Kuba Cloth. The Shell Psychedelic Kilim print is a replica of a Turkish flat tapestry-woven kilim rug originating from the tribal and nomadic cultures of Anatolia. Each region producing kilims employ its own distinctive patterns and colors in the rug design. The kilim weaving technique creates clearly defined geometric shapes which are highly valued by collectors. Kilims are used either as prayer rugs or purely for decoration. In recent years, these textiles have become an increasingly popular collector's item around the world.

The Berry Waterfall Yoruba skateboard deck is inspired by vintage aso oke textiles from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Yoruba aso oke textiles, traditionally woven on narrow hand looms by men, were worn on special occasions, such as engagements, weddings, and naming ceremonies for babies. The textile used to create this pillow features both natural beige wild silk and the openwork style, defined by eyelets joined by decorative weft stringing. This style, developed after the arrival of Europeans in Nigeria, was inspired by Spanish lace designs.

The Bright Botanical Suzani deck is a replica of a vintage piece from Uzbekistan that was handmade in the traditional suzani embroidery technique and consists of delicate silk embroidery on a silk-cotton blend backing. Suzani, which is embroidered with a tambour hook, is a classic Central Asian textile characterized by flowers and meandering vines. A specialist known as a chizmachi draws out the suzani pattern, then each fabric strip is given to an embroiderer, and finally the finished pieces are sewn back together. The result is a grand work created by several hands, producing charming irregularities and subtle mismatches that balance out the precision of the stitch. The flower designs seen here are symbolic of fertility and fruitfulness. These textiles are traditionally used as wall hangings or as a woman's marriage dowry. The suzani's decorative embroidery is also thought to possess a protective element.

The Terracotta Classic Kuba Cloth and Plum Patchwork Kuba Cloth decks are inspired by a unique Congolese textile featuring complex designs that are created when various geometric raffia pieces are stitched to a plain raffia background. The resulting rough surface is punctuated by repeated geometric patterns with unexpected interruptions in design. Men cultivate the raffia palm and weave the raffia cloth; women then create the patterned textiles. Traditionally, Kuba cloth was used as a wrapped skirt worn during burials. Later, it was incorporated in ceremonial dress for ritual dances and other celebrations.