Old "Sanyan" Style "Aso-Oke" Strip-Woven Robe Nigeria Tan & Turq.Textile Yoruba

Description

DESCRIPTION:  Absolutely Beautiful Semi-Antique Textile of the Yoruba Peoples.  Handmade, Strip-Woven, Natural Tan hand-spun Cotton and Silk Nigerian Aso-Oke/Ashoke/Asoke Traditional Upscale Man's Robe.  The Robe body is a handmade and handwoven Tan Cotton, which is made to resemble and honor the Antique "Sanyan", - a wild Silk that would have been obtained locally from the cocoons of the Anaphe moth.  The robe body is decorated in stripes with a light turquoise commercial silk.  Also we see a lace type of open hole and string design referred to as "eleya", and seen on some of the Older and fancy Robes.  Gorgeous Color Combination of Tan and Turquoise/Aqua!
Traditionally the silk Sanyan robe was very important and valued, and would have been worn during special events such as Weddings and Funerals.
Spinning and Weaving of Wild Silk has reportedly disappeared in Nigeria, unfortunately, according to respected sources [example-"Textiles: Collection of the Museum of International Folk Art", Bobbie Sumberg, pg.125 ].
Fine Cotton robes resembling the silk Sanyan in color and design were gradually incorporated over the past 100 years and are considered prestigious and still worn by many Nigerians for very Important events such as Weddings and Funerals, and Both are considered Family Heirlooms.  This robe is from Nigeria, and estimated to be made by the Yoruba Peoples in the first quarter to mid portion of the 20th C.
SIZE:  Measuring ~79" X 55".  The strips are ~ 3.5" per strip- wider on ends.  There are #15 total strips which are machine joined.  All other work is handmade using traditional strip-weaving loom techniques.
WEIGHT: 1 Lb., 10.7 Ounces
CONDITION:  This is a Semi-Antique Textile that has been Worn, has Traveled, and been Traded.  Overall it is in very nice sturdy condition, the fabric is intact, feels good, and I do not see any tears.  I do see a few smears of dirt here and there at the inner hem which does not show from the front.  Some of the secondary decorative threading has come loose- and you can see this in the photos (this could be managed into a more orderly appearance- but I wanted to show the areas).  The light turquoise silk embroidery is in very nice condition with only rare "pulls'.  There were some navy blue bits of partial thread hemming that I have removed since the photos- no residual effect.
I have taken photos of each quadrant, in order: Photo #3= bottom left, #4 upper left, #5 bottom middle, #6 bottom right, #7 upper right, #8 & #1 upper middle.  The last 3 photos are the robe in setting sun, just to show color changes with lighting shifts.
Please use photos to help determine appearance and condition and zoom in as needed.
CARE: Has not been laundered by me, but if desired, I would spot test first and hand wash in cold water, and not use harsh modern detergents.  Perhaps could be dry cleaned, but avoid harsh chemicals. Does not have an unpleasant odor or noticeable stains that I can see- should be OK "as is".  Always protect silk from clothes moths, and do not hang in harsh direct sunlight.
PLEASE contact me before paying if you are buying multiple items and I will quote for adjusted combined shipping price.  Thanks!
I have been buying Antique Trade Beads for almost 50 years, and had a Wholesale and Retail Bead Store, Folk Art, and Tribal Art Store in Greensboro, NC for some 25 years (Lost and Found Gallery), and am now semi-retired.  We are just beginning to sell on eBay.  Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the beads.
Sorry but we can only ship to the Continental USA at this time, but hope to expand in the near future.
PAYMENT: We accept PayPal, but hope to expand your options in the near future
SHIPPING: We Pack very well, insure, and (usually) ship USPS Priority*
*Please NOTE: for HEAVY (1 Lb. and over) and LARGE Packages You Can PICK USPS RETAIL GROUND to SAVE MONEY BUT it Takes Much LONGER to Arrive!!  Toggle Choice.