Sër-u-rabbal, or sër-u-njaago (woven wrapper)
A rectangular panel composed of six strips sewn together to form a woman's wrapper. Each band measures approximately eight inches wide and composed of brown and unspun white cotton creating both geometric and figurative zoomorphic motifs. The same pattern is repeated in vertical columns which are aligned so that they match with those of adjacent strips. The resulting overall pattern are four aligned rows of flat fish surrounded by diminutive birds, framed at either side by one row of geometric patterns.
While several distinct cultural traditions from Senegal are known for their textiles creations, those woven for Manjaka communities remain the most sought after. They are an essential component of each important phase in the life of Senegalese women. Distinctive for their thick and stiff qualities, such textiles are conceived by their wearers as protective shields. They are commonly ornamented by motifs that recall the many external influences that impacted the Manjaka communities through trade, colonial history and displacements: Portuguese, Moroccan and Spanish. This textile's striking graphic composition is characterized by the repetition of its unusual zoomorphic motifs.
While several distinct cultural traditions from Senegal are known for their textiles creations, those woven for Manjaka communities remain the most sought after. They are an essential component of each important phase in the life of Senegalese women. Distinctive for their thick and stiff qualities, such textiles are conceived by their wearers as protective shields. They are commonly ornamented by motifs that recall the many external influences that impacted the Manjaka communities through trade, colonial history and displacements: Portuguese, Moroccan and Spanish. This textile's striking graphic composition is characterized by the repetition of its unusual zoomorphic motifs.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sër-u-rabbal, or sër-u-njaago (woven wrapper)
- Artist: Manjak artist
- Date: 1960s
- Geography: Senegal
- Culture: Manjak peoples
- Medium: Cotton, dye
- Dimensions: L. 73 x W. 48.75 in. (185.5 x 124 cm)
- Classification: Textiles
- Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Pascal James Imperato, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.614.3
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Manjak artist
1960s
Mossi, Maranse, or Marka artist(s)
mid–late 20th century
Manjaka peoples
1960s
Manjaka peoples
1960s
Papa Ibra Tall
Early 1970's
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.