ID: 3674

Yoruba Embroidered Strip-Woven Ceremonial Agbada With Fìlà And Ṣòkòtò, West Africa, C. 1954

Business Name: Raven Yard Antiques Shop
Located: Shropshire, UK
Name: Jan
Email: Enquiries@raven-antiques.com

Price: £395.00

Watch Item

Due to our desire as a club to talk to our customers directly, there is no payment system. However, pressing the 'reserve' button will prompt us to hold the item for one week, allowing to complete payment.

We have over 2000 items in our shop making it difficult for us to quote the postage of everything in advance. Please contact us to discuss postage.

Collection Available.

Description

A striking mid-20th-century West African ceremonial ensemble, traditionally attributed to the Yoruba, comprising a voluminous agbada outer gown, ṣòkòtò trousers and fìlà cap.

The agbada is constructed from narrow strips of handwoven cloth in a natural cream ground, patterned with alternating blue and burgundy stripes. The front is extensively decorated with elaborate hand-worked embroidery, including large interlocking and quatrefoil motifs arranged symmetrically across the body of the gown.

Previous owner said he brought it back from West Africa in 1954 and identified it as belonging to the Yoruba.

Date: Mid-20th century, associated label dated 1954
Origin: Nigeria / West Africa
Attribution: Yoruba
Materials: Handwoven textile, embroidered decoration
Components: Agbada, fìlà and ṣòkòtò

Condition: Vintage condition consistent with age and traditional use. Please refer to photographs for individual areas of wear, marks, repairs or losses.