Man's Robe of Honor (Agbada)

20th century

For centuries, a rectangular-shaped robe has been the official garment of the Islamic world in West Africa. By the nineteenth century, an abundance of indigo and cotton plantations were producing the raw materials for such robes. In Nigeria today, musicians and men of means or ambition are likely to wear agbada. This example contrasts deep dark indigo against crisp white embroidery surrounding the neck opening, with the two-pointed sword of the Prophet set amidst a maze of geometry that refers to Islamic invocations.

Cotton cloth with dye

107 1/16 x 51 15/16 in. (272 x 132 cm)

Gift of the Christensen Fund

2001.974

Photo: Mark Woods

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Indigo, May 9 - Oct. 19, 2003.

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Mood Indigo: Textiles from Around the World, Apr. 9 - Oct. 9, 2016.

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