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| {{Short description|Traditional robe worn by Yoruba men}} | {{Short description|Traditional robe worn by Yoruba men}} | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| '''Agbada''' is the flowing robe traditionally worn by the ] people across West Africa. It comes with an inner cloth of varying lengths and it also comes with a pair of bottom wear in form of native trousers called |
'''Agbada''' is the flowing robe traditionally worn by the ] people across West Africa, specifically among the Yoruba of ], the Republic of ], and ].<ref name="main">{{cite journal |last=Ogunsanya |first=Adeola Oladele |title=Changing patterns in feeding, dressing and naming among Yoruba of south-western Nigeria since 1960 |journal=Nigerian Journal of Social Studies |volume=17 |issue=2 |year=2015 |pages=33–47}}</ref> . It comes with an inner cloth of varying lengths and it also comes with a pair of bottom wear in form of native trousers called Shokoto. It also is worn most times with different caps like ] or ]. Traditional ] beads are often worn with it. The agbada is a male attire worn for special events and everyday life, depending on the extravagance of the garment. It is a distinct robe that comes in different styles and designs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anokam |first=Stella |date=2016-07-15 |title=Latest Agbada Styles with Embroidery Designs for Men (2022) |url=https://naijaglamwedding.com/latest-agbada-styles-designs-men/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=NaijaGlamWedding |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| Its design consists of four-sections: a large, free-flowing outer robe (awosoke); an undervest (awotele); a pair of long trousers (sokoto); and a hat (fìla).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Oladejo |first1=Adekunle I. |last2=Olateju |first2=Taibat T. |last3=Okebukola |first3=Peter A. |last4=Agboluaje |first4=Taiwo M. |last5=Sanni |first5=Rasheed |last6=Shabani |first6=Juma |last7=Akinola |first7=Victor O. |last8=Ebisin |first8=Aderonke |title=The convergence of culture, technology and context: A pathway to reducing Mathophobia and improving achievement in mathematics |journal=School Science and Mathematics |volume=123 |issue=2 |year=2023 |pages=82–96}}</ref> The outer robe, from which the entire outfit derives the name "Agbada", means "voluminous attire" in Yoruba.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Fakunle |first=Oluwadara |title=Colonialism and Transformations in Yoruba Traditional Attires: The Lagos Experience |journal=Ihafa: A Journal of African Studies |volume=13 |issue=1 |year=2022 |pages=132–156}}</ref> The design of the agbada, with its wide sleeves and intricate embroidery, signified the wearer’s prestige and was often used in important ceremonies and public appearances. | |||
| ] | ] | ||
| Many Agbada are made with ] or aso ofi fabric, but they can be made in other different fabrics including ]. Agbada |
Many Agbada are made with ] or aso ofi fabric, but they can be made in other different fabrics including ]. The Agbada has similarities with the Boubou or Babanriga, as these attires evolved from the medieval West African cultures, but is different in looks, style, shape, fabrics and materials used and are quite distinguishable. Agbada usually features native Yoruba ] as many times alongside the ] native to the Yoruba culture. Agbada is one of the attires of Yoruba men, alongside others like Gbariye, Sulia, Oyala, Kembe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lawal |first=Babatunde |title=Agbada Clothing |url=https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/style/agbada-clothing |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=LoveToKnow |language=en}}</ref> Gbariye is close in looks to Agbada and many times considered a type of Agbada. | ||
| == History == | == History == | ||
| The clothing style was influenced by the ancient African cultures in the Sahel, where it evolved as a practical yet regal attire suitable for the region’s climate and social hierarchy.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Dogbe |first=Esi |title=Warped identities: dress in popular West African video films |journal=African Identities |volume=1 |issue=1 |year=2003 |pages=95–117}}</ref> The Sahel, during the medieval period, was home to several influential kingdoms, including the ], ], and ] empires.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Rovine |first=Victoria L. |title=Continuity, innovation, fashion: Three genres of Malian embroidery |journal=African Arts |volume=44 |issue=3 |year=2011 |pages=58–67}}</ref> These empires were centers of trade, wealth, and culture, facilitating interactions between ]n, ], and ]ern civilizations. | |||
| Agbada is a four-piece male attire found among the Yoruba of southwestern ], ] and the Republic of ], West Africa. | |||
| It consists of a large, free-flowing outer robe (awosoke), an undervest (awotele), a pair of long trousers (sokoto), and a hat (fìla). | |||
| The outer robe—from which the entire outfit derives the name Agbada, meaning "voluminous attire"—is a big, loose-fitting, ankle-length garment. In which the centerpiece is usually covered front and back with an elaborated embroidery. | |||
| By 1772, the Agbada was recorded as a Yoruba-made cloth, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Yoruba weavers, particularly in the production of ], a hand-woven fabric used in its creation. | |||
| During the height of the ] circa 1772, which held sway over much of present-day southwestern Nigeria and beyond, the Agbada became more than a local garment. It was often gifted to neighboring rulers and elites, including the people of ] (modern-day Benin), who were under the influence of the Oyo Empire at the time. This cultural exchange helped solidify the dominance of Yoruba fashion, art, and politics across the region.<ref name="nrc">{{cite book | title=A Journey To The Court Of Bossa Ahadee, King Of Dahomey, In the Year 1772 | page=122, 146 | author=Robert Norris}}</ref> | |||
| The presentation of the Agbada to the Dahomey people under the Oyo Empire symbolized more than just fashion—it was a diplomatic gesture, emphasizing the power and reach of the Oyo Empire, as well as the integration of Yoruba cultural elements into the broader political landscape of West Africa.<ref name="nrc">{{cite book | title=NOTES ON AFRICA:PARTICULARLY THOSE PARTS WHICH ARE SITUATED BETWEEN Cape Verd and the River Congo; CONTAINING SKETCHES OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATIONS THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS THE TRADE, COMMERCE, AND MANUFACTURES- AND THE GOVERNMENT AND POLICY OF THE VARIOUS NATIONS IN THIS EX- TENSIVE TRACT; Also a View of their Capabilities for the reception of Civilization; WITH HINTS FOR THE MELIORATION OF THE WHOLE AFRICAN POPULATION. | page=209 | author=G. A. ROBERTSON, Esq.}}</ref> | |||
| Contrary to popular belief, the Agbada was not introduced or imported from the Sahel region. Historical records from as early as 1826 document that Yoruba-made Agbada was regarded as superior in quality and design compared to Sahelian garments.<ref name="nrc">{{cite book | title=Rmarks On The Country Extending From Cape Palmas To The River Congo, Including Observations On The Manners And Customs Of The Inhabitants | author=Captain John Adams | page=94}}</ref> | |||
| This distinction is important, as the Agbada, while sharing some broad similarities with the ] in terms of flowing design, should not be confused with it. The Agbada represents a unique and intricate part of Yoruba heritage, standing apart in its sophistication, symbolism, and craftsmanship, demonstrating the advanced textile artistry of the Yoruba well before external influences reached the region. | |||
| ] | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:38, 7 January 2025
Traditional robe worn by Yoruba men.png)
Agbada is the flowing robe traditionally worn by the Yoruba people across West Africa, specifically among the Yoruba of Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Togo. . It comes with an inner cloth of varying lengths and it also comes with a pair of bottom wear in form of native trousers called Shokoto. It also is worn most times with different caps like fila or abeti aja. Traditional Yoruba beads are often worn with it. The agbada is a male attire worn for special events and everyday life, depending on the extravagance of the garment. It is a distinct robe that comes in different styles and designs.
Its design consists of four-sections: a large, free-flowing outer robe (awosoke); an undervest (awotele); a pair of long trousers (sokoto); and a hat (fìla). The outer robe, from which the entire outfit derives the name "Agbada", means "voluminous attire" in Yoruba. The design of the agbada, with its wide sleeves and intricate embroidery, signified the wearer’s prestige and was often used in important ceremonies and public appearances.
Many Agbada are made with aso oke or aso ofi fabric, but they can be made in other different fabrics including adire. The Agbada has similarities with the Boubou or Babanriga, as these attires evolved from the medieval West African cultures, but is different in looks, style, shape, fabrics and materials used and are quite distinguishable. Agbada usually features native Yoruba embroidery as many times alongside the Grand knot native to the Yoruba culture. Agbada is one of the attires of Yoruba men, alongside others like Gbariye, Sulia, Oyala, Kembe. Gbariye is close in looks to Agbada and many times considered a type of Agbada.
History
The clothing style was influenced by the ancient African cultures in the Sahel, where it evolved as a practical yet regal attire suitable for the region’s climate and social hierarchy. The Sahel, during the medieval period, was home to several influential kingdoms, including the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires. These empires were centers of trade, wealth, and culture, facilitating interactions between North African, Sub-Saharan, and Middle Eastern civilizations.
References
- Ogunsanya, Adeola Oladele (2015). "Changing patterns in feeding, dressing and naming among Yoruba of south-western Nigeria since 1960". Nigerian Journal of Social Studies. 17 (2): 33–47.
- Anokam, Stella (2016-07-15). "Latest Agbada Styles with Embroidery Designs for Men (2022)". NaijaGlamWedding. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
- Oladejo, Adekunle I.; Olateju, Taibat T.; Okebukola, Peter A.; Agboluaje, Taiwo M.; Sanni, Rasheed; Shabani, Juma; Akinola, Victor O.; Ebisin, Aderonke (2023). "The convergence of culture, technology and context: A pathway to reducing Mathophobia and improving achievement in mathematics". School Science and Mathematics. 123 (2): 82–96.
- Fakunle, Oluwadara (2022). "Colonialism and Transformations in Yoruba Traditional Attires: The Lagos Experience". Ihafa: A Journal of African Studies. 13 (1): 132–156.
- Lawal, Babatunde. "Agbada Clothing". LoveToKnow. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
- Dogbe, Esi (2003). "Warped identities: dress in popular West African video films". African Identities. 1 (1): 95–117.
- Rovine, Victoria L. (2011). "Continuity, innovation, fashion: Three genres of Malian embroidery". African Arts. 44 (3): 58–67.