Tellem patterns

Discover the geometric language of Mali’s first textile artisans.

Our Tellem pattern collection draws from the extraordinary textile legacy of the people who inhabited the Bandiagara Escarpment long before the Dogon—the Tellem, whose finely woven cotton garments and complex strip-woven cloths have survived in Mali’s cliff caves for over 800 years. Archaeological findings reveal that these ancient artisans mastered sophisticated weaving techniques, creating designs characterized by thoughtful construction, subtle patterning, and an enduring aesthetic that continues to inspire.

Available as cross-stitch charts for embroidery or as design files for broader creative applications, each pattern captures the essence of this ancient textile tradition. Engaging with Tellem design is an act of historical appreciation—a connection to the skilled hands that shaped West Africa’s textile heritage centuries ago.