Original batik sampler notebook, compiled by a student in Accra, Ghana, circa 1960s

Accra, Ghana: N.p., 1960. A small archive of 43 batik fabric samples, housed in a "School and College Jotter," compiled by a student in Accra, Ghana, circa 1960s, with ink annotations of "Samples / Batik" and the name "Albert Turkson" on the front wrapper and an Accra address on the rear wrapper. The jotter was manufactured by the Presbyterian Book Depot Ltd with P.O. Boxes in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana.

The 43 samples found in the archive are all affixed, usually two to a page, to the rectos of the jotter's leaves by stitch and/or glue on 23 of the 24 leaves. Each sample is accompanied by an ink annotation numbering the samples 1-41, lacking samples and numbers 9 and 28, and a sample in the place of an unnumbered 31. All leaves however appear to be present.

The Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing, batik, which originates from the island of Java and dates back to the 13th century, has had a long history in Africa, particularly in Ghana, where batik often incorporates symbolism significant to Ghanaian culture and varies in styles unique to different regions of the country, where its techniques have been passed on through generations.

7 x 9 inches, side-stapled. Good, with the majority of leaves separated from the binding with light soiling and edgewear throughout. Wrappers separated, with light creasing, spine and edgewear.