This is an old revision of this page, as edited by OmoIyaLeke (talk | contribs) at 03:33, 7 January 2025 (Added citations and references). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 03:33, 7 January 2025 by OmoIyaLeke (talk | contribs) (Added citations and references)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) 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. Agbada is somewhat similar to the boubou/ babanriga, 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.