Description
Ijebu Yoruba aso olona itagbe cloth, worn over the shoulder by chiefs and elders of the Ijebu Yoruba people on the shores of the lagoon north of Lagos. The motifs on these cloths depict water spirits of the local lagoons, and allude to the historic role of Ijebu chiefs and Ogboni society elders in honouring the spirits of the land. These cloths always had seven tassels at each end, representing the unity of two sacred numbers, three and four. Woven by an Ijebu Yoruba woman on an upright loom. Dates from around the 1970s and is in excellent condition.
Measurements 49 inches x 17 1/2 including tassels, 125 cm x 45.
Chief Adesina Adeyemi of Ijebu-Ife wearing an aso olona wrapper cloth and on his left shoulder a small itagbe cloth. A second itagbe is on his head. These cloths indicate his role as a head of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, Photo by Lisa Aronson, Ijebu-Ife, Nigeria, 1978. T
All items on this site are vintage. That means that they may have a few small marks or blemishes consistent with use. We will try to highlight any significant issues in the description above but in the event you are not happy with your purchase please notify us within 48 hours of receipt and you may return it for a full refund (excluding return shipping costs.)
