Henaare (man's festival tunic)

mid–late 20th century
Not on view
The Wodaabe, also known as Bororo, are among the last nomadic peoples of Africa. A sub-group of the Fulani, they live in the steppe region of central Niger, between the Sahara desert and the grassfields. Yearly, Wodaabe clans assemble, and young men of two lineages compete in beauty. Richly embroidered tunics, complex jewelry and make up are among the adornments worn by men on this occasion. The tunic are made of thin strips of indigo-dyed cloth imported from neighboring Nigeria, and are enhanced with colorful embroidery, filled with symbolic significance.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Henaare (man's festival tunic)
  • Artist: Wodaabe-Fulani artist
  • Date: mid–late 20th century
  • Geography: Niger
  • Culture: Wodaabe-Fulani peoples
  • Medium: Cotton, wool or synthetic fiber, dye
  • Dimensions: Width (across shoulders): 26 in. (66 cm)
    Width (across torso): 11 in. (27.9 cm)
    Height (overall as worn): 35 in. (88.9 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Costumes
  • Credit Line: Gift of Eve Glasberg and Amyas Naegele, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.1140.12
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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