Ceremonial Robe (Agbada)
Not on view
This robe or gown is a distinctive example of the traditional hand-woven and -embroidered, loose-fitting, wide-sleeved, over-the-head garment worn by elites in Nigeria. These robes are always worn over other clothing and generally fall to the lower leg. In the past, such prestige robes were traded over vast distances and similar or related garments are found throughout much of West Africa. They are called agbada (Yoruba), riga (Hausa) and boubou (corruption of Wolof mbubb).
Fine old robes have become family heirlooms passed on from father to son and worn with pride at major celebrations such as weddings and funerals. This example, donated to the Metropolitan Museum by fashion designer Duro Olowu, belonged to his grandfather, H.R.M Oba M. O. Akinsoroju, the Lapoki of Aye in Ondo State, Nigeria, where he ruled for over 50 years until his death in 2002.
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