Free-Standing Vintage 1950s Yoruba Ceremonial Beaded Tunic from Nigeria with Black Metal Floor Stand Measuring 50 Inches Tall by 20 Inches Wide (No. 1)

Striking ceremonial beaded tunic created by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It features brightly colored depictions of animals along with abstract patterns. These beaded Sango vests or tunics were worn by a High priest during divination ceremonies and festivals and are considered empowered with spiritual and medicinal energy; thus empowering the wearer with 'Ase' – authority and command.

This is an authenticated garment that rests on a solid metal museum-quality floor stand which has been newly powder coated with a matte black finish. Due to the ornamentation on both the front and back sides, this piece is surprisingly heavy. The level of craftsmanship makes for a stunning freestanding sculptural piece that can be enjoyed from both sides since they are equally adorned with thousands of glass seed beads and share the same level of detail. This would be suitable for a public or private collection and lend visual interest to a range of interior settings from Eclectic, Boho, to Industrial/Loft, Southwestern or Mid-Century.     

Place of Origin: Nigeria

Date of Manufacture: 1950s

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures. 

Dimensions: 

Tunic: 45.5 in. H X 29.0 in. W X 1.0 in. D (Without Stand)

Total: 50.0 in. H X 20.0 in. W X 6.0 in. D (Stand + Base)

Reference: African Arts, 1998 (pgs. 18-27), similar examples can be found in the permanent collections of the Dallas Museum of Art, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, the Princeton University Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Shipping Note: Due to the size and weight of this piece, it will need custom handling and packaging. Contact us for a quote.