Palm Fibre Gown

A gown, or tunic, made of fine palm fibre that has been woven into ten strips, and joined, edge to edge. It has a triangular central breast pocket with red cotton embroidery, and further embroidery along the shoulders, and on the back. Though it looks like the so-called Mandingo gowns, it appears to be a very early example, resembling an example in the Ulster Museum, collected by Henry McCormack before 1832.

Further Information

• Type: Regalia, Costume, dress
• Object: Palm Fibre Gown
• Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Textile
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: 1330mm [L] x 1270mm [W]
• Production Date: Pre 1979
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Unknown
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.WA.10

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