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Tunic

15th–16th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Among the forms of apparel recovered from Tellem burials in the Bandiagara are men’s tunics with wide sleeves. Such garments were made by sewing together narrow strips of cotton cloth woven on traditional West African looms. They were produced in both a straight-bodied style and a gored shape that flares outward.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tunic
  • Date: 15th–16th century
  • Geography: Mali, Bandiagara Escarpment
  • Culture: Tellem civilization
  • Medium: Cotton
  • Dimensions: Approx. H. 66 9/16 × W. 44 1/8 in. (169 × 112 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles
  • Credit Line: Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen, Netherlands, on long-term loan from Musée National du Mali, Bamako (RV-B237-2027)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing