Africa Nigeria. Nupe woman clothing around 1878.

Nigeria, Nupe, costume, historical, West Africa,
Nupe woman araound 1878

Woman from the Nupe people, traditionally called the Tapa, around 1878.

Nupe (also called Nufe or Nyfe) was once a tributary empire to the Sultan of Gwandu, in central Niger, between the 8th and 10th northern latitude with about 21,310 km². The official language was the Nupe, a nupoid language.

It was inhabited by the ethnicity of the Nupe, who supposedly had immigrated from Egypt around the 15th century. The Nupe, whose number is estimated at about half a million, are mostly Muslims.

Above: Sudanese Types (from oil and water color sketches by Carl Arriens). Woman of Ifé. Nupe Woman. Tuareg of Aspen. Gober Man. Source: The voice of Africa; being an account of the travels of the German Inner African Exploration Expedition in the years 1910-1912 by Leo Frobenius, E. Russell. London : Hutchinson & Co. 1913

The former settlement area is now the territory of the West African state of Nigeria. It is roughly the same as Nigeria’s state of Nigeria with an extension to the north. The former capital Bida is located in a plain between Niger and Kaduna. Other important cities are Rabba and Saraki.

Ju-Ju, Mask, Ibo Country, Southern Nigeria,
Ju-Ju Mask from Ibo Country, Southern Nigeria.

Many Nupe still carry tribal signs in the form of scars on the face, although this tradition is dwindling more and more. The Nupe were described in detail by the ethnographer Siegfried Nadel, whose book, Black Byzantium, remains an anthropological classic.

Source:

Illustration, damasks, ornament

Related

https://world4.eu/ashanti-warriors-african-tribal-hairdressing/
https://world4.eu/zulu/
Note:  Habit of a Woman of Africa in 1581

Leave a Reply


Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.

Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.

Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World Paperback – December 7, 2021
by Virginia Postrel (Author)

From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an “expansive” global history that highlights “how textiles truly changed the world” (Wall Street Journal)


FASHIONPEDIA
Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is easy to read. Whether you are an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you will ever need to navigate the fashion scene.


Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.

The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.


Literature

Couture: then and now Clothes define people. A person's clothing, whether it's a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential key to his or her culture, class, personality, or even religion. The Kyoto Costume Institute recognizes the importance of understanding clothing sociologically, historically, and artistically.