Artwork Details
Culture
Creation Date
Materials
Object Types
Dimensions
46 x 95 in.
Accession Number
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Copyright
Collection
Color Palette
Provenance
(Davis Gallery of Ethnographic Art, New Orleans, LA) sold on September 21, 1984 to Harrison Eiteljorg [1903-1997] of Indianapolis; donated to the IMA 1989
Gallery Labels
Dress is a crucial element of royal regalia. During the 19th century, Cameroon Grasslands kings adopted Islamic styles of dress in order to strengthen community ties in the early days of European colonialism.
This indigo-dyed robe is intricately embroidered with a number of royal symbolic decorative patterns. The “chicken feet” motif of the circular neckline represents royal authority. A sun motif appears on the back and the four-part leaf-shaped motifs on the sleeves represent the four corners of the universe. The bottom section is adorned with a spider motif also seen on the bottoms of royal stools.
Exhibition History
Exhibition Name
Venue
Dates
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