Images and words on factory-made textiles offer wry commentary on relationships, economic success, and politics. Popular TV programs also find their way into cloth. Messages on West African fabrics may be in African languages, English, or French.

		Cloth proverb: If you leave, I leave Bamako, Mali, 1997 Cotton Gift of Craig A. Subler A wife admonishes her husband that if he goes out to party at night, so will she.
		Cloth proverb: A royal doesn’t cry Accra, Ghana, 1997 Cotton Not everyone has the good fortune of being born into royalty, and so one must be prepared for hard times.
		Cloth proverb: Money flies like a bird Accra, Ghana, 1997 Cotton Be careful with your money.
		Cloth name: Braid Accra, Ghana, 1997 Cotton This cloth features a fashionable braided hairstyle.
		Cloth name: A man’s character Accra, Ghana, 1997 Cotton You have to be very sure of a man’s character if you intend to marry him.
		Cloth proverb: Jealousy or My co-wife’s eye Bamako, Mali, 1997 Cotton Gift of Craig A. Subler Jealousy and tension can exist between co-wives in the same household.