Description
Superb museum quality Nigerian indigo chief’s robe, tailored from narrow 4 cm wide strips in the dark indigo check “etu” pattern, has extensive very finely worked embroidery in cotton and beige wild silk. The full width of the strips is visible in the sleeves but in the torso of the robe the strips are folded in hlaf lengthways, giving a greater weight to that area. The embroidery pattern was called “eight knives”, aska takwas, in Hausa. The cloth and embroidery are more likely to be by Nupe or weavers and embroiderers than Yoruba in this case. However there is a band of indigo aso oke wovon by a Yoruba weaver lining the base of the robe. Apart from a couple of tiny spots the robe is in near perfect condition, with it’s original hand sewn tailoring throughout. Age is late C19th.
Measurements 267 cm x 120, 8’9″ x 3’11”.
All items on this site are vintage. That means that they may have a few small marks or blemishes consistent with use. We will try to highlight any significant issues in the description above but in the event you are not happy with your purchase please notify us within 48 hours of receipt and you may return it for a full refund (excluding return shipping costs.)
