The Kanvô of Benin
Cultural heritage of Benin, Kanvô simply means woven loincloth in the Fon language (southern Benin).
In Africa, loincloths constitute a means of communicating cultural values; a means for each community to express its belonging to: a people, a royal court, a country or an ethnicity.
·King Béhanzin in Kanvô
It is said that “Kanvô” is inspired by the Nigerian loincloth “Asho oke”. King AGONGLO, 8th king of Abomey, impressed by the art of a Nigerian weaver, is said to have brought it back after a conquest (1789-1797). He would then have promoted himself there. His son, King Guézo, in turn developed the weaver's profession and popularized the woven loincloth in the high society of the monarchy.
Each pattern on the fabric is linked to the history and beliefs of different peoples. Indeed, no color is added at random. Each color has a special meaning. White represents purity, innocence and peace. In fact, it recalls the sacred and divine side. Although its presence is rare on fabric, we can have it in the form of a watermark. Yellow represents opulence, health, fertility and wealth in all its forms. The color gold is the symbol of royalty with high social status. Black is a symbol of mourning, darkness, evil, secrecy and mystery, but also of maturity and spiritual energy. This color is generally used in initiation and purifying ceremonies. Since it combines both negativity and positivity, black is both feared and revered.
While the Kanvô was once used for royalty and ceremonies for many centuries, the loincloth has today been able to combine tradition and modernity. It has evolved well thanks to the many passionate craftsmen, wishing to preserve the history and perpetuate it over the generations.
Kanvô now exists in various colors. With this loincloth, it is possible to produce any creation. Having become a fashion effect, it is widely found in the textile industry. This allows us to share its history with you through unique pieces made by these artisans who carry their own history.
In SIBIIR, Kanvô is the textile used to make unique pieces such as cushion covers among others presented on a line of 2-seater benches made, just like the huts, from recycled pallets and dressed in colors from the Annie SLOAN paint range.