Chief or Dignitary’s Robe (Agbada, Riga) with Decorative Embroidery
Not on view
This robe or gown is a distinctive example of the traditional hand-woven and -embroidered, over-the-head garment worn by elites in Nigeria. These robes are always worn over other clothing and generally fall to the lower leg. In the past, such robes were traded over vast distances and similar or related garments are found throughout much of West Africa. They are called agbada (Yoruba), riga (Hausa) and boubou (corruption of Wolof mbubb).