Robe c. late 19th century

This late 19th-century Hausa or Nupe robe is a striking example of West African textile art. The garment is made of a deep purple fabric with vertical stripes of a lighter color, upon which are applied green patterns in a technique called resist dyeing. The patterns include geometric shapes, a circle, and a stylized human figure. The robe, currently in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to the artistry and skill of traditional textile makers from the region.