Featured Beaded African tunic

Hi All-I’ve been gone for a while because we moved. And now I’m back with a question about the item in this photo…sorry, but it’s the only one I have until it gets unpacked. A friend who is moving gave it to us but had no knowledge about its origins. The length is about 3-3.5 feet and my guess at its weight is about 20 pounds. Any clues would be greatly appreciated.

 

nice beadwork...

 

Beautiful!
The masks could be an indication of its origin. @2manybooks ?

 

or those Celtic looking knots...?

 

More like Chinese endless knots.
Intertwined symbols are seen in many cultures.

 

yes...of course !!
I spoke out of turn...

 

It is Yoruba beadwork, from Nigeria. I have seen many ""sashes" on the modern market, but I cannot explain the significance of the vest/tunic format without a bit more research.

https://www.hamillgallery.com/YORUBA/YorubaSashes/YorubaSashes.html

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/vintage-african-yoruba-ceremonial-beaded-vest-82-c-4904371b61

 

No you didn't, it was just an observation.

 

No idea. It's a serious piece of beadwork though. It must have been specially made for something.

 

Y’all never cease to amaze me! Do you recommend re-posting on the Tribal Arts forum?

 

it's only been 6 whole hours...........

 

Such beaded tunics - "ewu-ileke" - are made by specialist beadwork artists for Yoruba royalty, chiefs, and priests of the god of thunder, Shango.


https://www.si.edu/object/ewu-ileke-tunic:nmafa_2003-8-1

Styles and imagery vary, but I have found 4 examples sold at auction that look like they may have been made by the same artist as yours. The first, on Worthpoint, includes an informative description. All are identified as tunics for priests of Shango. The interlace motif, based on Islamic art that is common in the region, is a protective talisman.


https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/shango-ifa-beaded-tunic-diviner-vest-1809803474


https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/vintage-african-yoruba-ceremonial-beaded-vest-82-c-4904371b61


https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...ined&queryID=692bcfb596520e8f5ecfa4d681729b2a


https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...ined&queryID=692bcfb596520e8f5ecfa4d681729b2a

 

Amazing! Thank you.

 

2 good sources on Yoruba beadwork in general:

William Fagg: Yoruba Beadwork Art of Nigeria. Rizzoli, 1980.

Henry John Drewal & John Mason: Beads Body and Soul: Art and Light in the Yoruba Universe. UCLA, Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 1997.

 

I also see enough similarities to agree it looks like the same artist. Once I unwrap it I’ll have an opportunity to see the other side and interior & compare those elements as well. Thanks to everyone for the dogged research & input!

 

Love this. Have a wall of Yoruba!

 

I hope the move went well! I moved last summer and it's a big job.