Summary

This robe, of the 'kore' style, is a prestige men's cloth of the Hausa of Nigeria. It was dyed with indigo, treated with indigo powder and resin, and then hammered to create the shining, inky effect. The robe was sewn into a billowing style from narrow strips and includes embroidered Hausa motifs.
Source: David Dorward, 'African textiles', Treasures of the Museum: Victoria, Australia (Melbourne: Museums Victoria, 20204), p. 136.

Physical Description

A woven cotton wrap dyed with native indigo. The upper edge or collar is embroidered.

Significance

The rigar kore was a prestige item and perspiration or washing would cause the indigo to loose its lustre. Few examples in original condition, like this one, have survived. This is one in a collection of Hausa and Nupe garments and artefacts from Nigeria that were acquired in 1910 from a British colonial officer, W.H. Freer-Hill.

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