YORUBA STYLE, VESTS, Nigeria

Decorated equally on front and back, they exhibit a range of style from fanciful and rustic to elegant and formal. The elaborate beadwork is all in good condition.

"Ewu Sango (Sango vest), worn by a Sango priest in state of possession by the diety, is made from cotton cloth and decorated with charms, medicine packets, cowries... Both the vests and bante Sango (aprons) are considered empowered with spiritual and medicinal energy and thus empower the wearer with ase (authority/command)."

Page 96, Beads Body and Soul: Art and Light in the Yoruba Universe, by Drewal and Mason

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