Robe; Riga. Nupe people of Nigeria, made before 1860. World Museum, Liverpool, UK. “'Saki’ gow
Robe; Riga. Nupe people of Nigeria, made before 1860. World Museum, Liverpool, UK. “'Saki’ gowns like these were a religious and political uniform worn to show Islamic faith and allegiance, as well as wealth and status. Many gowns were made for the markets as everyday wear and even as currency, but they were not accessible to all as they were expensive. High quality gowns mark a man’s membership of, or ties to, the indigenous Hausa-Fulani aristocracy of the region under the influence of the Sokoto Caliphate. Embroidery designs include motifs that predate the rise of Islam in the region, as well as Islamic geometric and mathematical symbolism. The robe or riga, is normally embroidered by a Qur’anic scholar or malam with cotton or threads made from the cocoons of the wild African silk worm. The “eight knives” motif on this gown is a popular one. It is a protective device and probably derives from horned or pointed designs of various Islamic arts in the region. The motif may also signify victory in war. Squares are Qur’anic symbols of God’s creation and power and correspond to the four corners of the world. Motifs of multiple or divided squares, sometimes placed within a circle, also relate to protective “magic squares”, thus giving the gown an equivalent protective power to that of an amulet.” -- source link
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