Ndopp is a fabric mainly popular in the western region of Cameroon, and its pattern is rich in symbolism and historical and cultural heritage. The production process of Ndopp is roughly as follows: first draw the pattern on white cotton cloth with ink made of grass and wood ash, then sew the pattern with dried palm leaf veins as thread, send it to northern Cameroon to be impregnated with an indigo vegetable dye, remove the palm leaf veins, and get Ndorp with white stripes on a blue background. The most traditional Ndorp is indigo, which represents the sky, and the three basic patterns are crocodile, full moon and snake, which are tribal totems of the past. Once reserved primarily for kings and nobles, with the revival of traditional culture and the commercialization of Ndopp, Cameroonians have begun to widely wear clothes, hats and necklaces made of Ndop on solemn social occasions.
On April 11, in Bahan, in Cameroon's western region, Carmenne presented a finished Ndorp product that had removed palm leaf veins. The 48-year-old Carmonje learned how to make Ndop from his father and is now committed to passing on this heritage.
Local vendors sell Ndop products in Bafoussam, Cameroon's western region, April 11.
On April 11, in Bahan, in Cameroon's western region, Carmenne drew crocodile patterns with ink made from kitchen soot. The 48-year-old Carmonje learned how to make Ndop from his father and is now committed to passing on this heritage.
On April 11, in Bahan, in Cameroon's western region, a craftsman tied up a pattern with palm leaf veins.
Children at the Carmonje family workshop learn Ndopp making in Bahan, Western Cameroon, April 11. The 48-year-old Carmonje learned how to make Ndop from his father and is now committed to passing on this heritage.
On April 11, in Bahan, in the western region of Cameroon, craftsmen draw a full moon pattern on cotton.
On April 11, in Bahan, western Cameroon, children at the Kamenje family workshop tied up patterns with palm leaf veins. The 48-year-old Carmonje learned how to make Ndop from his father and is now committed to passing on this heritage.
On 11 April, in Bahan, in Cameroon's western region, a craftsman removes palm leaf veins from dyed fabrics.
On 11 April, in Bahan, western Cameroon, the Carmone family made Ndop in a family workshop. The 48-year-old Carmonje learned how to make Ndop from his father and is now committed to passing on this heritage.
On April 11, in Bahan, in the western region of Cameroon, craftsmen draw a full moon pattern on cotton.
Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Kopso)
Source: Xinhua News Agency