Hunter's Tunic Item Number: 3420/45 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Hunter's tunic (part a) with matching hat (part b). Tunic made of bright blue cloth. Rectangular black leather patches are attached all over, with long, thin strips of brown leather knotted to both sides, creating fringes. A few pieces are dyed red or green. White cowrie shells outline the neck, and are sewn in lines on the tunic. There is a five-sided pocket on the front, centre - with the three stitched edges lined in cowrie shells. The bottom edge is unfinished, and somewhat fringed from unravelling fabric. Small horns and small mirrors inset in leather are attached over the tunic. The woven hat has a circular mirror inset in leather between two curved horns at front, centre. A single row of cowrie shells lines the bottom edge.
The hunter's tunic and hat have been dyed deep 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.