DepartmentTextiles-Africa

Boubou

NameMan's marriage robe

CultureFulani

Date1980

Place madeMali, Africa

MediumWool, cotton

DimensionsOverall: 51 3/16 x 34 5/8 in. (130 x 88 cm)

Credit LineGift of Jonathan and Dale Carolyn Gluckman

Object numberA.2010.79.4

DescriptionStraight sided black robe, formed of four narrow woven panels on each side, each hand sewn together. Robe has wide shoulders and large, open armholes, round, collarless, slit neck and sides. The sides and collar, center chest and back are decorated in white, rust and gold geometric designs, much in chain stitch. Four eight pointed stars flank the slit neck and the central design elements on the back. Large rectangular elements edged with zigzags end the decorated areas on both front and back. The armholes are edged with pliated cords which hang as long tassels below the arms.