Agbada Date Unknown

This is an Agbada, a flowing wide-sleeved robe, by an artist from the Yoruba people. Worn in Nigeria, these garments are often associated with status and power. The visual codes here speak to the culture and history of the Yoruba people. The embroidery features complex geometric patterns and symbols. Researching the specific meaning of these symbols within Yoruba cosmology can provide insights into the wearer's identity, status, or beliefs. We can also consider how factors such as trade networks or religious institutions might have influenced the design and production of the Agbada. Was it commissioned by a wealthy merchant seeking to display his success, or by a political leader asserting his authority? To fully understand the Agbada, we must look beyond its aesthetic qualities and investigate its social and institutional context. By consulting historical records, ethnographic studies, and museum collections, we can uncover the complex web of meaning embedded within this remarkable garment.