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Object Timeline

1901

  • Work on this object began.

1973

  • We acquired this object.

  • Work on this object ended.

2013

2024

  • You found it!

Strip (Nigeria)

This is a Strip. It is dated early to mid-20th century and we acquired it in 1973. Its medium is wild silk, cotton and its technique is hand-loomed warp-faced plain weave. It is a part of the Textiles department.

Sanyan, etu and alaari are the three most prestigious and deeply traditional Yoruban cloths. Sanyan is made from the silk of anaphe moths, which spin a communal cocoon. These large cocoons are found in the forest, collected and sold. The silk is de-gummed by boiling it overnight in a water-ash solution, then it is spun. The wild silk has a distinctive light-brown color, which is never dyed. It is usually used in combination with locally grown cotton in a variety of striped patterns.
Sanyan garments can be worn for any important occasion, but are frequently chosen by a bride and groom for the wedding ceremony, as well as for naming ceremonies.

This object was donated by Dr. Mattiebelle Gittinger. It is credited Gift of Dr. Mattiebelle Gittinger.

Its dimensions are

Warp x Weft: 45.7 x 12.1 cm (18 x 4 3/4 in.)

Cite this object as

Strip (Nigeria); wild silk, cotton; Warp x Weft: 45.7 x 12.1 cm (18 x 4 3/4 in.); Gift of Dr. Mattiebelle Gittinger; 1973-65-3

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18482131/ |title=Strip (Nigeria) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>