Ogboni Society Title Cloth
Cultural Group
Nigeria, Yoruba people
Date20th century
Mediumcotton and dye
Dimensions18 1/2 x 51 1/2"
ClassificationsInformation Forms
Credit LineGift of Dr. Marcilene Wittmer
Terms
Object number2004.58.5
DescriptionWomen weave the title cloths for individual Ogboni Society members. Only the member who commissions the cloth knows the true meaning of the images woven into the cloth. They are images abstracted from the natural world – lizards, crocodiles, fish, and frogs – generally referring to water spirits. Concentric diamond patterns prevail. The designs are separated by rows of fringes and the ends are symbolically finished by separating the fringes and wrapping them with string to form seven tassels, a number symbolic to the Ogboni Society.On View
Not on viewCollections
