Yoruba Beaded Robe: Johnston/Young Collection

This item is part of the Johnston/Young Collection. It is featured in the book "Afrika Traditional and Modern African Art."

During the reign of King Agonglo (1789-97) a lot of attention was placed upon the production and creation of art. Among the works which are said to be introduced by Agonglo are the royal thrones called "jandeme", jewelry made from hammered silver and the royal scepter "makpo" or staff of fury. Under King Agonglo textile arts increased and beautiful chromatic tunics were created for the royal family and ministers.

This spectacular tunic is worn exclusively by the Bamoun chief of Cameroon when making important public appearances. The tunic or robe as it is sometimes referred to consists of thousands of hand placed multicolored beads which are configured into patterns that reflect motifs that define and identify the tribe. The triangles are said to recall the claws of the dangerous royal progenitor, the leopard. Red, a traditional royal color is linked in important ways to life and death, blood and danger; features of critical significance to kings and to war. The inner lining that serves as a backing for the heavy extensive beadwork consists of natural fiber and covered by hand made striped fiber cloth whose pattern when shown alone is worn by the chief at war meetings.

This piece is in excellent condition, inside and out! It was procured by our patrons who spent many years in Africa. First with the Peace Corps in the 1960s' and later doing research for various organizations.

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Dimensions: 45 1/2 inches long x 29 inches across

Wt: 25 lbs.