woman's ceremonial wrapper (skirt)
woman's ceremonial wrapper (skirt)
Culture
Fulani people
Culture
Wodaabe people
Creation date
1950's
Materials
cotton embroidered with silk and cotton
Dimensions
34 1/2 x 57 3/4 in.
Credit line
Gift of Dr. Steven Conant in memory of Mrs. H. L. Conant
Accession number
2001.185
Collection
Not Currently On View
The Wodaabe are nomadic cattle herders and traders. During the dry season, young girls embroider blouses and skirts in preparation for the annual Geerewol ceremony. They also embroider the tunics that are worn by the men.
This festival provides the main chance of the year for the women to initiate relationships with men and find a second, third, or fourth husband.
The Wodaabe women tattoo their faces using patterns that are believed to give protection against the evil eye.
Dr. Steven Conant, Indianapolis; given to Indianapolis Museum of Art (2001).
