Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Off-white robe with green embroidery and purple lining. The man’s robe is made of plain weave cotton cloth, with double strips sewn together to give desired width. The front and back panels are sewn together along shoulder line, leaving a right angled opening for the neck. The panels are also sewn at the bottom corners, narrowing the leg opening. The front of the robe is embroidered with two designs in green cotton. The first design is of two downward pointing needles of solid embroidery with a complex cartouche-shaped motif. The second design is a pair of spiral circles enclosing a complex rounded motif. The back of the robe is embroidered with only the pair of spiral circles enclosing a complex rounded motif. The inside lining is bias cut purple and gold striped cloth.

History Of Use

The baban riga (Hausa), agbádá (Yoruba), or boubou (French) is a large, loose-fitting, ankle-length robe worn by men of different groups in West Africa. The garment is said to have originated in the Middle East and introduced to West Africa by Arab and Berber merchants from the Maghreb and Tuareg through the trans-Saharan trade. Records show that this type of robe has been worn since the 11th century in ancient kingdoms across West Africa. The robe is usually worn at special events such as naming ceremonies and weddings. The attire was once considered a symbol of wealth and high-status due to its expensive fabrics and intricate embroidery.

Cultural Context

Worn by a man.

Iconographic Meaning

Design motifs featured on this robe are dagi knots and the two-pointed knife (aska biyu) pattern. The embroidery combines graphic elements common to the architecture and decorative arts of the Hausa. The quantity of cloth used makes a statement about the wealth of its owner, and the designs are meant to protect the person wearing the garment.

Specific Techniques

The Hausa baban riga would have been made by several men: from the braided motifs to the stitching of the cotton strips that create the fabric panel. The embroiders were called "malam" (scholars). Given the complexity of the embroidery, making this garment would have also taken several months. The source of the silk (sanyan or alapo-apo) was caterpillars found in the bush. They would cover themselves in cocoons of brown silk, which would then be collected, processed, and spun into thread.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items