over-the-head garment; V-shaped neckline; wide, open sleeves; bottom hem is open, except for short seam at bottom of each sleeve; indigo with thin off-white stripes, running vertically on torso and horizontally on sleeves; tan embroidery: large spiral on proper right chest, with circle filled with dot stitches in geometric square-diamond pattern; woven thread triangle and embroidered border on proper right neckline; proper left torso entirely embroidered with rectangle, diamond, triangle and drop shapes filled with dot or chain embroidery stitches, bordered with straight line stitching; upper back has large spiral filled with large circle containing diamond-square design of dot embroidery stitches; inner bottom hem on back is bright pink with green, yellow and white diagonal stripes

Agbada, early 20th century

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In Islamic societies all over West Africa, high-ranking officials wear voluminous robes with lavish embroidery. The volume of the garment creates an aesthetic of “bigness” that enhances both the physical presence and symbolic importance of the wearer. A malam, a male religious specialist with knowledge of Arabic writing, embroidered this robe by hand. The designs are drawn from an Islamic visual vocabulary referencing political leadership and are meant to offer protective powers.

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Details
Title
Agbada
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2018.102.30
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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over-the-head garment; V-shaped neckline; wide, open sleeves; bottom hem is open, except for short seam at bottom of each sleeve; indigo with thin off-white stripes, running vertically on torso and horizontally on sleeves; tan embroidery: large spiral on proper right chest, with circle filled with dot stitches in geometric square-diamond pattern; woven thread triangle and embroidered border on proper right neckline; proper left torso entirely embroidered with rectangle, diamond, triangle and drop shapes filled with dot or chain embroidery stitches, bordered with straight line stitching; upper back has large spiral filled with large circle containing diamond-square design of dot embroidery stitches; inner bottom hem on back is bright pink with green, yellow and white diagonal stripes