Tunic of a Shango Priest and Flywhisk

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Tunic of a Shango Priest and Flywhisk

Place of OriginNigeria

Date20th Century

DimensionsOverall: 22 × 18 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (55.9 × 47 × 11.4 cm)

Mediumcotton, beads, leather/hide

ClassificationTextiles and Fiber

Object number

2025.161A-B

Not on View

DescriptionA- vest: Beaded Vest: A front-facing, sleeveless vest constructed on a cloth foundation, fully overlaid with tightly applied glass beads. The decoration is symmetrical, with repeating geometric motifs including zigzags, diamonds, and checkerboard patterns rendered in blue, white, red, yellow, and black. The beading extends uniformly across the entire surface, producing a dense, textured appearance. Along the lower edge, multiple strands of beaded fringe hang freely, providing movement and contrast to the otherwise structured form. B- flywhisk: A flywhisk composed of a cylindrical handle encased in glass beadwork. The surface is decorated with alternating diagonal and horizontal bands in blue, white, red, yellow, and black, creating a rhythmic, geometric design. From the top of the handle emerges a large tuft of dark animal hair, which contrasts in texture and material with the rigid, patterned handle. The overall form is vertical and balanced, with the beaded handle providing a strong base for the organic sweep of the hair.

Published ReferencesChrista Clarke, Power Dressing: Men's Fashion and Prestige in Africa, New Jersey: Newark Museum of Art, 2005, p. 28 John Pemberton, African Beaded Art: Power and Adornment, Massachusetts: Smith College Museum of Art, 2008, pp. 93-94Exhibition HistoryNewark Museum, New Jersey, Power Dressing: Men’s Fashion and Prestige in Africa, October 19, 2005—January 22, 2006 Smith College Museum of Art, African Beaded Art: Power and Adornment, February 1, 2008—June 15, 2008