Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Robe (Kansawu) and Trousers, from 3 Piece Royal or Noble Costume

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Robe (Kansawu) and Trousers, from 3 Piece Royal or Noble Costume

• Culture: Fon
• Medium: Cotton, silk
• Place Made: Abomey, Benin
• Dates: late 19th century
• Dimensions: Tunic: 34 1/4 x 27 9/16 in. (87 x 70 cm) Trousers: 29 1/2 x 26 in. (74.9 x 66 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is not on view
• Accession Number: 22.1500a-b
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Overall, 22.1500a-b_edited_version_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Fon. Robe (Kansawu) and Trousers, from 3 Piece Royal or Noble Costume, late 19th century. Cotton, silk, Tunic: 34 1/4 x 27 9/16 in. (87 x 70 cm) Trousers: 29 1/2 x 26 in. (74.9 x 66 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1500a-b (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1500a-b_edited_version_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Costume top is made of woven material with blue and white bands. Embroidered onto the woven material is a yoke shape composed of curved parallel bands and alternate rows of X-shapes. Red and white floral-like designs are embroidered around the waist area as well as above the hemline of the robe. Between the floral designs is a row of doughnut-shaped forms, each form with a row of embroidered X-shapes inside. The trousers of the costume have material of woven blue and white narrow stripes with appliqued shark forms on the lower portion of each leg; below the shark forms are embroidered horizontal bands. Condition: Torn, fraying embroidery.