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IBO FESTIVAL DANCING DRESS

Like all other peoples in Nigeria,the ibos have a variety of dances which are performed for special purposes.
The dress worn by the boy in this illustration is typical and may be seen in any ibo village when a festival is in progress.A band is tied around the brow and decorated with feathers.The top of the body is usually left naked while the hips are covered by a short skirt of brightly coloured cotton.Around the waist is worn a belt of small coloured cloths.Tiny brass bells are fastened to the ankles and sometimes to the arms and wrists.

A WARRI CHIEF

The Itsekiri chiefs ceremonial dress now follows conventions as exacting as those of the Yorubas,Hausas and the Binis,but composed of garments and decorations derived from European sources.
A hat decorated with a long feather,a blazerof European pattern worn over a lappa of brightly coloured patterned cloth,together with a coral bead necklace and walking stick,complete the itsekiri chief's dress.

ILORIN WEAVER

There are a number of celebrated weaving centres in Nigeria,each with its own distinctive patterns and colours.The Ilorin weavers designs are elaborate and of high quality and are popular throughout the western and northern regions of Nigeria.This illustrations shows one of the more complicated examples of the Ilorin designs.
A special feature of some Ilorin weaving is the use of cotton for warp and silk for the weft.

A LEATHER WORKER FROM OYO

The old town of OYO in the northern part of western Nigeria is famous for its fine quality leatherwork.
Amongst other leather objects made are the Oyo pouffes.
Traditional patterns only are used.The sides of the pouffe are built up in layers of alternative colours,usually cream with one dark colour.The top of the pouffe is made of small pieces of leather that have been stitched together to form a geometric pattern of different colours.The colours used are cream,scarlet,brown,black and indigo blue,for the sides,and the same for the top with the additions of green and yellow.Dried banana leaves are always used to stuff these pouffes.

A YORUBA DRUMMER BOY

The Yoruba,s have brought the art of drumming to a very high pitch.A great variety of drums are made,each with its own special purpose and distinctive sound.The famous African talking drum comes from this part of Nigeria.It is capable of immitating the elaborate tone sounds of the Yoruba language when beaten by a skillfull drummer.
Drummers are proffessional men trained from birth.
This Yoruba boy is playing one of the more popular small drums.When in use the drum is drawn up under the left arm so that the strings linking the skins at each end may be squeezed by pressure from the arm.The wooden portion of the drum has been cut away in the middle for this purpose.By a skillful manipulation of the arm,the tone of the drum may be varied considerably.Bells are hung on the ends of the drum.THE drum stick is always twisted with a large padded end to strike the drum.

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION POLICE CONSTABLE FROM KATSINA , HAUSA,NIGERIA.

The old police uniform of Katsina andArgungu ,Northern Nigeria, were very similar in cut but the Katsina uniform was more colourful.The blue was of a lighter tone and the flashes and trimmings were of bright yellow.A red fez was worn instead of the more common Kilmarnock CAP USED BY THE OTHER LOCAL ADMINISTRATION POLICE.iT WAS USUALL FOR THE CONSTABLES to remain bare footed although the wearing of boots or sandals was optional.

YORUBA GIRL

The Yoruba women's dress differs considerably from that worn in other parts of Nigeria.The head-dress worn by married women is large and elaborately tied.The blouse is of simple design but the sleeves are full and usually of three-quarter lenght.The skirt is shorter than that worn in the north and eastern parts of Nigeria and it is wrapped around the body so that it hangs in points and uneven lenghts.Blue is their traditional colour.The indigo dye is used extensively and both Abeokuta and Ibadan are famous for their locally dyed cloths.
The head - dress shown in this picture is of Yoruba hand-woven cloth of silk and cotton.The blouse is off imported printed copy.Strip patterns are popular among both men and women.The skirt is of imported white cotton which has been designed and coloured locally by the following method.First,cassava juice is painted on the cloth either by hand direct or by means of stencils,then,when dry,the cloth is diped into a vat of indigo dye and the exposed portions turn blue,while the area treated with cassava remains white.

SEEDS AND PEBBLES ARE SOMETIMES STITCHED to the white cloth before dyeing so as to form patterns and protect the cloth from the dye.The cloth the girl is wearing over her shoulder has been treated in this manner.Like the men ,the Yoruba women favour backless slippers.

A BUGLER

The infantry of the old Queens own Nigerian Regiment wore the bright scarlet zouave jacket as part of their full ceremonial dress and it makes an impressive picture when seen on a ceremonial parade.
It is interesting to note that the zouave jacket probably originated from India or Persia and was later introduced into North Africa by the Arabs.By way of the trans- sahara camel trains it.Apeared in Northern Nigeria earlier on as a civilian dress.However,its history and introduction as part of a milittary dress is quite different.Early in the nineteenth century,the French adopted it as part of a millitary uniform for their soldiers in Tunisia and Algeria.The french millitary zouave was adopted,later when a uniform was designed for the west Indian millitary band.Towards the end of the nineteenth century this was introduced into West Africa by the west INDIAN REGIMENT and the first west African force adopted it.From this force,both the Queens own Nigerian Regiment and THE Nigerian police force was formed, and for this reason they had taken the zouave jacket as part of their ceremonial uniform.

IBO NATIONAL COSTUME

The main feature of the Ibo man's dress is the lappa cloth which is wound around the middle and twisted and tucked over at the top and in front.(The lappa,as worn by the people of the Niger Delta,is fastened at the side.)The Ibo is not as conservative in his choice of colours or patterns as are the Yoruba's,Hausa's,Itsekiri's;he will wear any colour or pattern if it appeals to him.It is usuall to wear a modern shirt with the shirt tails outside the lappa.Sometimes,however,the shirt will be of the same colour and material as that of the lappa.There is no national head - dress worn by Ibos and almost any variety of head covering may be seen with the lappa.When fine material is used it is a national costume that can look both dignified and beautiful.

SIDE DRUMMER

These men,like all the police of the old northern Nigeria local administration police forces ,were trained at the Northern police college,Kaduna.They soon obtained a high standard of efficiency and smartness and the old Ilorin local administration police band had established a high reputation.

HAUSA TRADERS

Hausa traders are to be seen in every part of Nigeria and even other parts of West Africa.In their long white gowns or robes they are easily recognizable figures amongst the more elaborately dressed and colourful costumes of the other tribes.Part of the charm of the Hausa dress is its dignified simplicity, straight line and cut little white hand-woven caps and hats are worn with this type of dress:there is usually little or no embroidery.One of the traders carries the muslim beads as most of the Hausa peoples share a common religion and way of life in following the teachings of Mohammed.

MOTHER AND CHILD-CAMEROONS

The womens dress in West Africa is not as varied as that of the men and it is not so easy to distinguish the womens tribe from the cut of the cloths.Rather does the variation comes through the choice of colour and pattern.Colourful,flowery patterns are favoured by the women of the cameroons,and they prefer to wear their skirts fairly long.On the head is usually worn a handerkerchief or cloth of soft colours.

A FORESTER

Much of the old western Nigeria including warri and Benin provinces are covered with thick forests of valuable hard woods which play an important part in Nigeria's exports,and represent an important source of wealth to the country.A large number of men are therefore employed in guarding,maintaining and replanting these forests.
The old foresters wore a distinctive green drill uniform with green putees and a green fez.

SCHOOL GIRL, HOLY CHILD COLLEGE,LAGOS

Most of the uniforms of the Nigerian school girls follow a similar pattern to those worn by school girls in other parts of the world.It has not been found practical to base a uniform or design on any of the old traditional dresses.The hand-dress,however,strikes an original note.It is obviously derived from the student's mortar -board.

THE OLU OF WARRI

The olu of warri in ceremonial dress.
The people of warri claim to be the oldest christian community in Nigeria,if not in West Africa.When the portugueses traders commenced trading with the people of warri in the fifteenth century,christianity was established at an early date.The strong portuguese and christian influence may be seen in the olu's ceremonial robes.The crown of silver encrusted with semi-precious stones was made in portugal.The robes of fine silk are similar to those worn by churchmen.Crosses appear in the collars and the coral bead has also been introduced.In his hand the olu carries a fly whisk made of white horse hair.

DRUM MAJOR-OLD NIGERIA POLICE BAND

There is little difference in the military and police ceremonial dress.The Nigeria police force is a semi-military body and it's origin may be seen by it's dress .The police colours are navy blue for the fez,zouave jacket and putees. The Nigerian police band wore navy blue shorts similar to those worn by the Nigerian police force before the second world war.The tassel on the fez and the trimmings and piping on the zouave jacket are scarlet.
Underneath,the bandsmen wear a white shirt.The Drum Majors uniform is the most splendid of the bandmen's uniform.

AN EGBA CHIEF WEARING THE CEREMONIAL DRESS OF THE OGBONI FRATERNITY

The Egbas are a branch of the Yoruba people and the centre of their clulture is situated at Abeokuta in Western Nigeria.The Ogboni Fraternity is a society which is Yoruba in origin and which commands a large following.
Many of the EGBA CHIEFS ARE MEMBERS OF THE Ogboni and the Egba chief illustrated here is wearing the ceremonial dress of the indigenous Ogboni society.

The dress consisits of a large-brimmed hat which is round in shape.THE BRIM OF THE HAT is decorated with a deep fringe of glass beads which partly obscures the wearer's face.A brass staff decorated with a figure and bells is carried in the hand.On the right shoulder the Ogbonis wear a hand - woven cloth called 'Stagbe' which is part of the regalia.The gown is of imported brocade and the chief is wearing aound is neck a collar of coral beads.

THE OLOWO OF OWO

The olowo of owo is one of the senior Yoruba chiefs or Obas .He is wearing one of his many ceremonial dresses which is only used once a year when a certain ceremony is performed and he is required to dance in this dress in front of his people.
The crown is made of coral beads decorated with white feathers.In front there is a veil of coral beads the object of which is to hide the olowo,s features from the gaze of the people.The long jacket is made of pink cloth on which have been sewn hundreds of coral beads of great age.The trousers are made of blue push;collars,bracelets and ankles are made of coral as are the slipers.The olowo carries two of his ceremonial swords which are also used when performing this dance.

AGBADA DRESS - YORUBA WESTERN NIGERIA

The agbada gown is the popular everyday wear of the YORUBA PEOPLE. IT IS COMMON THROUGHOUT WESTERN NIGERIA.
THE Agbada is usually made of locally woven cotton cloth.Striped patterns are favoured but bright,hot colours are seldom used.

The Agbada is cut on the single square pattern with full loose sleeves.The neck and front are embroidered in a rich pattern of contrasting colour applied by means of a sewing machine.
Usually the cap is made of the same material as the gown and is capable of being worn at many different angles.
The trousers are always very full and end well above the ankles.It is usuall for the Yorubas to wear backless slippers with the Agbada.These may be made of coloured wools,leather or beads.
WHEN THE WEATHER IS VERY HOT,THE SIDES OF THE wide sleeves may be folded back so as to expose the open sides of the gown and allow the air to circulate.

FESTIVAL DANCING DRESS-IBIBIO EASTERN NIGERIA

The ibibio dancer is wearing a painted wooden mask which not only covers the face but also forms an elaborate head- dress.These ibibio masks are often painted white or pink to represent the skin portions.To lighten the weight for the wearer,a soft wood is usually selected.
THE DANCER WEARS A COTTON LAPPA or cloth wrapped around the waist.These cloths are imported material which have been decorated with bold patterns,bright warm colours usually being preferred.

DAN LEPIDE,A WARRIOR OF THE EMIR OF KANO

Dan lepide in olden days acted as the Emir of Kano's champion;he was supposed to challenge to fight any who spoke evil of the Emir.
The scarlet and green of his robes denotes that he is one of the Emirs servants.Dan lepide's helmet is an elaborate structure made of brass and copper padded below to protect the head,and decorated on top with ostrich feathers.The shirt and shoulders are protected with leather and thin plates decorated with hammered patterns and edged with ostrich feathers.The sash supports long silk tassels and a sword.The riding boots are made of soft Kano leather.

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION POLICE OFFICER FROM BIDA

Ono of the most colourful of the old northern police uniforms were those worn by the Bida police.In such a uniform the policeman was easily recognizable.The white cloth putees matched a long white jacket made of local hand woven cotton.The fez was scarlet with a scarlet puggaree suggestive of some worn in certain parts of India and, indeed, it may owe its origins to a police officer with previous service in that country.The trousers matched the fez and were of bright scarlet imported cotton

THE SULKE -KANO

The sulke Kano is a bodyguard to the Emir of Kano and the dress worn on all ceremonial occasions whether he is on horse - back or on foot.Over the Sulkes white cotton dress is a coat of chain mail said to date from the time of the crusades and to have been bought into Nigeria from the Arab countries of the north.It is probably of Arab manufacture and of great age.
The sword has been made in Kano and is a typical example of Kano metal work.An interesting and unusuall feature of the dress is long,leated cuffs which partly conceal the hands.A wine-coloured sash and cummerbund complete the dress.

AKENZUA II -OBA OF BENIN

The Oba of Benin here is depicted in his full ceremonial robes.

The crown,collars and upper portion of the dress are made of thousands of coral beads,most of which are hundreds of years old.Early Portuguese traders trading with the benin chiefs used coral as a currency,and it became the practice of the benin and Yoruba chiefs,as well as the other tribes of the Niger Delta,to use coral for covering ceremonial dress and regalia.

The oba wears an elaborate shirt made entirely of coral beads;his neck is hung around with many collars of coral.The skirt is made of red felt to which has been sewn a pattern representing oba,s supported by attendants.The waist is decorated with ivory tubes and a band of hand-woven embroidery.

An attendant carries the obas sword of state which, like the crown,skirt,slippers,is entirely covered with coral beads.

This ceremonial dress is of considerable weight and difficult to wear,and it is therefore usual for the oba to be supported by attendants when walking in public.

AN EMIR FROM NORTHERN NIGERIA ILORIN

The most southerly Emirate in Nigeria is in the province of Ilorin.Early in the nineteenth century Ilorin was part of the old Oyo Empire but it was conquered by the northern peoples and a fulani Emir installed as ruler.
Th illustration shows the emir in his ceremonial robes.
Over a simple white cotton robe he wears a royal blue cloak trimmed with silver.A simple white turban covers his head,and conceals part of his features when the Emir is in public.The Emir carries his mace of office.The head is made of silver and the handle of ebony.Such maces are only bestowed on First class Chiefs in Northern Nigeria.
The Emir wears slippers which have been decorated with black ostrich feathers.Apart from this slippers the dress is very simple and dignified.

ARGINGU LOCAL ADMNISTRATION POLICE SERGENT- HAUSA

Up to around1954 it was customary throughout Northern Nigeria for the local administration police force to have their own distinctive uniforms.This,in the interests of economy and efficiency,has had to give way to the inevitable khaki shirt and shorts.

Th distinctive old uniform of the police of Argungu consisted of a dark blue long jacket and turkish type trousers,finally cut on top and tightly fitting around the lower leg.The head covering consisted of a dark blue Kilmarnock cap with pompom. Any of the Hausa peoples are slight in form and are noted for their long slender necks,hands and fingers.

THE IBOM MASQUERADE-EFIK

The Efik people live in and around Calabar in Eastern Nigeria.The Ibom Masquerase is one of their most colourful masquerades and the costume worn is of most complicated nature.

The dancer first puts on a close-fitting net-like garment made of string which completely covers the whole body and is fastened down the back.Next,a skirt and pair of cuffs are fastened on.Those portions of the dress are usually made of grass or horse hair.Finally the main portion of the costume is fitted all over the shoulders and under the arms in much the same way as a pack or haversack.It is all in one piece- a complicated snake-like structure made of coconut fibre held on wire or bamboo frames and dyed alternative colours.A great trunk-like piece rises from the back of the dancer and hangs over his head,the end of the trunk being several feet in front of the wearer.Only men wear these costumes.

'DOGARE UBAN DAWAKI'- KANO

The Dogare Uban Dawaki is one of the Emir of Kano.s personal servants.For this reason,his robes are scarlet and green- the colours of the Emir of Kano.The scarlet turban is unusual as most of the robes worn n Kano are either white or pastel shade.The Emir of Kano's personal servants are easily seen by their distinctive dress.All the Emir's servants carry swords which have been manufactured by the Kano smiths and decorated by the Kano leather workers.

'YARO SARKI INUWA'-HAUSA EMIR OF KANO,S SENIOR MESSENGER

Yaro Sarki Inuwa is the Emir of Kano's Senior messenger.It is a purely honorary post today,and on ceremonial occasions Yaro Sarki Inuwa is gorgeously clad in rich costly robes containing many yards of rich brocade.The vast turban is of a mettalic blue colour,the effect being obtained locally by dipping white cotton in indigo dye and beating it with flat sticks when still wet.

The bright yellow riding boots with long toe caps are locally made,as is the sword and scabard.Kano has long been famous for its fine quality leather.The special feature of the dress is the long sleeves covering the hands.The embroidery on the sleeves is of local work but the brocade,tassels and sashes are of imported materials.

BASE DRUMMER-ILORIN

The old Ilorin local Administration Police had for long posessed their own police band which had been well equiped with musical instruments.The base drummers uniform is of military cut and he wears the usuall leopard skin associated with base drummers.The leopard is indigenous to the province of Ilorin,and it is probable that this skin was obtained locally.

HANDMAIDENS IN THE AKPAN MASQUERADE-EFIK

Two handmaidens usually accompany the senior woman dancer in the Akpan masquerade.Their skirts are held out on bamboo frames but they do not wear the elaborate head dress of the senior dancer.It is usuall for one girl to carry a mirror for the dance;this is held up to the senior dancer while the other handmaidens fans her with a semi-circular wooden fan brightly painted.

THE AKPAN MASQURADE WOMENS DRESS- EFIK

The Efik people live in and around the Calabar area in Estern Nigeria.One of the most colourful masquerade costumes is that worn by the Akpan masquerade.The senior woman dancer wears a type of farthingale with the skirt held out from the body on a bamboo frame.
The head-dress of the dancer consists of a tray -like structure decorated with brightly coloured feathers and held in position by two long silk streamers attached to the outer sides of the tray.A tight- fitting par of trousers are worn under the skirt and the arms and ankles are usually decorated with tiny brass bells.

THE ORODJE OF OKPE CLAN

The okpe clan live in the delta province.During the fifteenth century,the Portuguese traders introduced Christianity into the Niger Delta by way of Warri and Benin city and its influence made itself felt throughout the area.
Some chiefs have been greatly influenced by robes worn by missionary priests.These in course of time were taken as a pattern and adapted for ceremonial wear.Even the gold bead crown the orodje is wearing owes its origins to the baretta.The Okpe clan is part of the Urhobo Tribe.

A BINI CHIEF IN CEREMONIAL DRESS

The binis usually wear European dress but on festive occasions the old chiefs ceremonial dress reappears.The upper portion of the body is left naked,the only decoration being the coral necklace which denotes a chief.The lower part of the body is swathed in many yards of white cotton cloth to form a skirt-like covering.The illustration shows the chief with a grass plaited fan decorated with a red leather cross and a ceremonial brass sword.
The hair of bini chiefs is cut in a special way so as to allow a high ridge of hair to run across the head from ear to ear.

A HAUSA FARMER

The major tribe living in northern Nigeria are the Hausa people,they share a common language, and are mostly engaged in growing cotton and ground-nuts.

The Hausa farmer illustrated is wearing a dress common to all parts of northern Nigeria.His robe,made of white cotton,is similar to those worn by Hausa people living in the cities and towns of the north.Large,wide,plated grass hats worn over a round white cap or fez are popular with those working in the countryside,as they provide good cover for the face and neck from the tropical sun and rain.
The farmers white robes are decorated with khaki thread which is applied by means of a sewing machine.It is unusual for the Hausa people to wear bright or vivid colours like the people in southern Nigeria.

THE STATON KEEPER,THE OLD LAGOS FIRE BRIGADE

The old fire brigade in Nigeria was once a part of the Nigeria police force.

FESTVAL DANCING DRESS-YORUBA

The mask,is usually made of wood, it is the most important part of the Yoruba festival makeup.Very often they not only cover the face but also the whole of the head and shoulders.The one shown in this illustration is carved in soft wood and painted in realistic colours.IT IS WORN ON ToP OF THE DANCERS HEAD WHILE HIS FACE AND HEAD ARE concealed to give the extra height and distortion and thus add to the interest and mystery of the dance.

AN OBA -YORUBA

Senior Yoruba chiefs are known as Obas.The Oba illustrated is wearing a gown made of velvet which is lined with local handwoven cotton.The whole gown is cut out on a full circle pattern,with the hole for the neck forming the centre of the circle.As many as thirty yards of material are often used.They are very heavy to ear but are the most graceful and dignified of all Yoruba costumes.

It is usuall for obas to wear either bead crowns or velvet caps trimmed with gold or silver lace with such garments.
The feet are usually covered with backless slippers made of leather,wool or velvet,or sometimes covered with beads

MOTHER AND CHILD- ITSEKIRI

The Itsekiri people live in the Niger Delta ,their women use imported printed cottons for their dresses.The colours selected are always bright,hot colours-red,purple,yellow and orange.While the choice of colours remains unchanged,particular attension is paid by the women to the patterns slected,,a fact of which the manufacturers are fully aware.Usually they are bold in arrangement.The head cloth is of silk or some soft material tied over the head.The skirt is usually made in two pieces and reaches to the ankles.The illustration shows the method of carrying babies when itsekiri mothers are going to the local market.

A SUBALTERN,THE QUEENS OWN REGIMENT

A SUBALTERN,THE QUEENS OWN REGIMENT

The West African Frontier force saw service in both the 1914-1918 and the 1939-1945 wars. In the First World War they served in the Cameroons and in the second world war ,East Africa,Burma and the middle east.In recognition of their distinguished service in both world wars,H.M. The Queen bestowed the title of ''The Queens Own regiment'' when she visited Nigeria for the first time in 1956.

Officers and men serving in the Queens own Nigerian regiment came from all parts of Nigeria.The subaltern illustrated is wearing the green and black hackle of Nigeria in his bush hat.

A DISTRICT HEAD KANO

Flowing white robes worn with a turban,a small round white cap or red fez are popular with the hausa people of Northern Nigeria.The turban is a useful head - dress becuase it affords protection from the dust storms which at certain times of the year blow down from the sahara desert.

The illustration shows a district head from Kano wearing the Riga Na Aiki(dress for work).This is the usual dress worn by the prosperous classes.Formerly, it was only allowed to be worn by an emirs family.The patterns around the neck and front follow conventional stnadards and denote the region of the wearer.The patterns in this illustration shows that the district head could only come from Kano ,Zaria,Sokoto or Katsina areas.

BOMBARDIER
NIGERIAN FILED BATTERY


A light field battery has for long formed part of the Nigerian Regiment.Up to the early part of the second world war the famous 'screw gun' or 3.7 howitzer was in use.These guns when in transit were dismantled and carried as head loads,the heavier portions being laid on'bearers'(cow skins stretched on bamboo poles and borne by four men).Such batteries served with distinction in the east African campaign in 1940.Later when serving in India and burma,the artillery were armed with 25 pounders and 3 -inch mortars.

The Bombardier is wearing a ceremonial dress.Special features of the artillery dress are the blue puttees and blue zouve jackets trimmed with yellow piping.

THE OLD IBADAN DISTRICT COUNCILPOLICE FORCE -YORUBA

A second class constable of the Ibadan district council police force.The uniform depicted was formerly worn by the local police force at Ibadan in western Nigeria.It was replaced by a new uniform in 1958.
The silver lion,which is the emblem of Ibadan,decorates the front of the constable's blue fez.An original feature of this local police force uniform was the wearing of the rank stripes on the pocket of the blouse.

FESTIVAL DRESS FOR THE EKONG DANCE-IBIBIO


The Ibibios of Eastern Nigeria perform every year the Ekong dance.A special dress is worn for the occasion.

The face and the head of the dancer are completely obscured with a table like structure fastened to the head.
This is covered with brightly coloured fringed handerkerchiefs and on top appears the head of a female goddess flanked with attendants in police uniform.The head is carved in softwood and painted.The Ibibio gods and goddesses are supposed to have come from the waters of the rivers and to be of pale complexion.Their wooden statues are usuaally painted white or pink.Little mirrors decorate the base of the goddess.
The hands and feet of the dancer are carefully covered and a coloured cloth is usually worn about the waist of the dancer.

A BENIN WOMAN CHIEF IN CEREMONIAL DRESS


THE BINIS RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF HE WOMAN IN THE COMMUNITY AND WOMEN CHIEFS ARE NOT UNCOMMON.

THE OLD WOMAN IS WEARING HER CEREMONIAL DRESS .THE MAIN FEATURE IS THE WIG OF HUMAN HAIR WHICH IS BUILT ON A HIGH FRAME AND DECORATED WITH CORAL BEADS.SUCH WIGS ARE NOT ONLY WORN BY BENIN WOMEN CHIEFS.THE CORAL NECKLASSES DENOTES HER STATUS IN THE COMMUNITY.HER FACE HAS BEEN TATTOOED WITH THE JUICE OF THE INDIGO PLANT.
THE SMALL BOY IS HOLDING A BOX MADE FROM HIDES;IT IS FOR CARRYING GIFTS TO THE OBA OF BENIN WHO IS THE OVERLORD OF THE BINIS

THE ALAKE OF EGBA-LAND

The Yoruba people living in the Abeokuta province of western Nigeria are known as the Egbas.Their paramount ruler,the Alake, is one of the senior chiefs or obas as they are called by the Yorubas.
The Alake owns between 40 to 50 crowns, most of which are made of thousands of coloured beads.The most skillful bead workers in Nigeria-if not in Africa- are found among the Yorubas.It is usual for a bead worker to be attached to an oba or chief; he does not work independently or sell his work in the open market.In olden times,only chiefs and their immediate family were permitted to wear garments and head dresses covered with beads.
The bead-workers are skillfull at covering elaborate objects with thousands of beads.In this illustration,the throne,the footstool and slippers are covered with a multitude of tiny glass beads which are imported.The Alake is wearing collars and necklasses of local gold fashioned by local goldsmiths.
The fly whisk he carries is made of horse hair fastened to a gold handle.It is an important part of the obas regalia.