Mandingo Gown

A Mandingo gown, made from 66 narrow strips of un-dyed, plain weave, cotton. It is elaborately embroidered in herringbone and straight stitch, forming typical geometric and, less common, figurative designs. The compositions of three and four squares on the front and back, are thought to represent a compound. The term Mandingo here, is associated with Muslim elites from the north of Sierra Leone.

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Further Information

• Type: Costume, dress, Regalia
• Object: Mandingo Gown
• Materials: Textile
• Culture Group: Mandingo
• Dimensions: 1090mm [L] x 2060mm [W]
• Production Date: Unknown
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Charles A. Beving
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1934.307.218

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