Olokun or Ibadadun

2026-4-4.2

From: Nigeria | Ibadan

Curatorial Section: African

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Object Title Olokun or Ibadadun
Object Number 2026-4-4.2
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Yoruba
Provenience Nigeria | Ibadan
Culture Area Yoruba
Date Made circa 1970 CE
Section African
Materials Cotton | Indigo Dye
Technique Dyed | Hand Painted
Iconography Spoon | Flower | Umbrella | Centipede | Insect | Ostrich
Description

Adire Yoruba textile called "Olokun" or "Ibadadun" meaning deity of the sea or beautiful/sweet. Made on a manufactured cotton cloth which is hand-painted with multiple patterned squares using cassava starch. After drying, it is dyed with indigo in above-ground dye pots. The more times the cloth is dipped in indigo, the darker the background and the more vivid the pattern. The pattern is revealed after the cassava starch is beaten off the dried-out cloth. One of two cloths which has not yet been sewn together. Patterns on this textile include seven spoons, centipede, Islamic prayer board, umbrella/tree, ostrich, flowers, birds, insects, Mapo Hall columns.

Length 210.82 cm
Width 83.82 cm
Credit Line Gift of Dr. Sandra T. Barnes, 2026
Other Number #4 - Collector Number

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