Man's tunic (Dandogo) and trousers
20th century
Garments can be visual passports, communicating characteristics about the wearer's identity. Interlacing patterns on this tunic show an allegiance with protective aspects of the Muslim faith. Endless knots embellish the opening for the head, acknowledged to be the part of the body closest to the heavens. Such depictions can perhaps be attributed to Koranic scholars, who often worked part-time as embroiderers.
Cotton, strip woven, embroidery, natural indigo dye
.a H.: 127 cm
.a W.: 265 cm
.b H.: 96.5 cm
.b W.: 93 1/2 in.
Gift of the Christensen Fund
2001.987
