Ceremonial Tunic (#2) - Wodaabe People - Niger - SOLD

Price: $0.00


 


The Wodaabe are nomadic cattle herders, living as they say "like the birds in the bush". These finely embroidered tunics are hand made for young men by their girlfriends. They are worn during a celebration called Geerwol in which the handsomest males compete against each other in charm, personality, and good looks. The festival involves a dance which is performed each after -noon and evening for 7 days. It is as much a feat of endurance as one of beauty. The winners are selected by the 3 most beautiful young women.

47"H x 15"W

Includes display stand
the single panel with U-shaped opening for neck made from a loosely woven black or dark blue muslin foundation and highly decorated both front and back with finely embroidered designs of numerous wavy undulating repetitive geometric patterns in red, green, yellow, orange and white; a central panel inserted of smaller more intricate designs in similar colours, the whole edged with white cotton fabric.
Cf. According to Fisher, Africa Adorned,(1984; pg. 145-155 illus. pg. 154 and pg. 161). Tunics such as this are worn by young male Wodaabe peoples, the nomadic Fulani of the Western Savannah, in central Niger, during an annual celebration known as the Geerewol Festival. The highlight of this festival is the "Yaake", a dance performed by young men adorned in these colorful tunics and makeup to impress potential lovers.