Hunter's shirt, Date Unknown
Unknown artist, Maliexpand_more
Cotton, pigment, animal hide, mirrors, animal teeth and claws, shells, metalexpand_more
Gift of Richard L. Simmons in honor of Lotus Stackexpand_more 2012.106.13
Not on Viewexpand_more
In most traditional West African societies, hunters are considered to possess exceptional physical and supernatural power. The clothes they wear—shirts, tunics, and caps—symbolize their aggressiveness and “otherness.” In the past, experienced hunters also were leading warriors and strategists. This shirt's cotton is dyed using mud to form the thin, black lines. Traditional elements are the leather strips, mirrors, and little boxes containing quotations from the Qur’an or medicinal plants that have been attached to the shirt, together with teeth, claws and horns of various animal species. Modern elements of the garment include a zipper and plastic button. Usually this kind of garment would be worn for protection during the hunt, but this may be a ceremonial shirt made to honor a particular hunter.
Details
- Title
- Hunter's shirt
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2012.106.13
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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