About this artwork
Embroidered robes in this particular style are still worn by men across northern West Africa, where they are associated with Islamic culture. Such garments enhance the wearer’s physical size and thus his social status. The use of expensive indigo dye (saki) is also a sign of prestige.
To embellish the robe, the “eight knives” motif has been combined with a spiral pattern that carries cosmological significance in the Muslim context.
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On View
- Textiles, Gallery 137
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Culture
- Nupe
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Title
- Robe (Riga Saki)
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Origin
- Nigeria
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Date
- Made 1940–1949
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Medium
- Cotton, narrow strips of plain weave; pieced; embroidered with cotton in buttonhole, knotted buttonhole, open chain, and stem stitches; edged with oblique interlacing
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Dimensions
- 134.4 x 256.4 cm (52 7/8 x 101 in.)
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Credit Line
- Restricted gift of Mr. and Mrs. David C. Ruttenberg
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Reference Number
- 1986.1004
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
