Hunter's Tunic Item Number: 3420/44 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Hunter's tunic (part a) with matching hat (part b). Tunic made of brown cloth. Rectangular black leather patches are attached all over, with long, thin strips of leather knotted to both sides, creating fringes. White cowrie shells outline the neck, and are sewn in lines on the tunic. Small horns and small mirrors inset in leather are attached over the tunic. The woven hat has three black leather patches with long, thin leather strips knotted on either side, evenly spaced on sides and back. At front, centre - there is a circular mirror inset in leather between two small horns. A single row of cowrie shells lines the bottom edge.
The hunter's tunic and hat have been dyed brown by repeated medicines being poured over them. The number of amulets sewed on accumulate over time and indicate the power of its owner. The first amulets may be given by the hunter’s first teacher, while others will be made by the owner himself in response to the arcane knowledge he may travel far and wide to obtain. The ingredients sealed within the leather pouches, and the animal claws and horns hanging from the tunic, are a rich source of nyama which protect the wearer from dangers in the wilderness and enhance his skills at tracking and dispatching prey.
Tchuemegne obtained the tunic from Mr. Kalilou Doumbia, in Bamako.