The tunic is generally heavily embroidered with geometric designs. The patterns are created using a cross stitch worked with a thickish cotton yarn in predominantly orange, red, yellow and white.
The English term for describing this garment is problematic, as there are no direct parallels. These garments, for example, are sometimes called dresses, but the term dress is usually applied to women’s clothing that is wholly or partly sewn down the sides. Another term sometimes used is a tabard, but this is a short garment associated with European heraldic traditions.
See also the pertinent TRC Needles entries on Wodaabe embroideries.
Sources:
- BOVIN, Mette (2001). Nomads who Cultivate Beauty: Wodaabe Dances and Visual Arts in Niger, Uppsala: Nordic Africa Institute, p. 18.
- https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/women-artisans-in-niger/updates/?subid=33357 (retrieved 30th March 2016).
- http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.nl/2014/02/wodaabe-mbororo-people-nomadic-fulani.html (retrieved 30th March).
British Museum online catalogue (retrieved 8th June 2016).
GVE