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Boubou

Before 1879
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
On a visit to Segu’s Sikoro market on November 11, 1878, French traveler Paul Soleillet admired the array of dozens of patterned fabrics on offer. He noted that “some are as fine as gauze, while others are strong and thick. Colors are very beautiful and include all nuances of blue, yellow, red and orange.” Although he purchased a number of boubous, wraps, and weaving samples that day, we have no specific information on this golden ensemble (together with the previous bonnet), which is a tour de force of the combined efforts of Middle Niger weavers, dyers, and embroiderers.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Boubou
  • Date: Before 1879
  • Geography: Mali, Segu region
  • Culture: Bamana peoples
  • Medium: Cotton, silk, dye
  • Dimensions: W. 76 9/16 × L. 51 3/16 in. (194.5 × 130 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Costumes
  • Credit Line: Musée du Quai Branly–Jacques Chirac, Paris
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing