Digging Deeper into West Africa—Yoruba

Yesterday I described the men’s attire of West Africa: the main gown or robe known as the Grand Boubou or Agbada, which is accompanied by Sokoto pants, a Dashiki shirt, and the Aso Oke or Kufi hat.

These names are the common appellations from Yoruba—the largest ethnic group of West Africa, which numbers about 30 million individuals who live mostly in Nigeria but also in Benin, Ghana, and Togo.

The Yoruba are an ancient people that established the powerful Kingdom of Ife, which endured as an artistic center for many centuries.

The Yoruba language is actually tonal with 3 tones, and it possesses a wide assortment of sounds.

Interestingly, the Sokoto and Kufi garments derive their names from various cities in Nigeria. Moreover, Kufi means ‘crown’, whereas Aso Oke translates as ‘top cloth’ and comes in brown (the Sanyan), red (the Alaari), and blue (the Etu).

Of note, NBA basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon is of Yoruba origins, as is King Sunny Adé, who popularized Jùjú music of Nigeria, which is based on Yoruba percussion.

Now, Dupsie’s online store has made it possible to own your own West African attire! Have a look at the designs while you listen to some Yoruba rhythms.

Photo Courtesy & Copyright Dupsie’s.

The Rich World of African Menswear

After Asia, Africa is the globe’s largest continent with 1 billion inhabitants, 54 sovereign states, 2,000 languages, and hundreds of ethnic groups.

Considered the place of origin for the human race, Africa produced the earliest Homo sapiens circa 200,000 years ago—hence, the oldest inhabited territory on Earth.

Prior to colonization, Africa was home to nearly 10,000 different states, ranging from small family groups to major kingdoms.

By the late 19th century, however, most of Africa had been divided up by European colonial powers. For this reason, a number of African countries speak European languages.

Although post-colonial Africa has faced a multitude of challenges, there has been a resurgence of traditional African cultures, some of which strive for economic and scientific revitalization.

Despite the challenges, the richness of the African heritage is undeniable, as the magnificence of the multicultural treasures is replete throughout the entire continent, including in then menswear!

Take, for example, the Grand Boubou (from mbubb or gown) found in West Africa—also known as the Agbada by the Yoruba and Babariga by the Hausa.

The garment found its way to West Africa in the 8th century through Berber nomads of the Sahara called Tuareg, who refer to the garment as K'sa.

The Boubou is characterized by intricate embroideries and can include tie-up trousers called Sokoto, a shirt known as Dashiki, and an opulent gown.

Finally, no Boubou would be complete without the Aso Oke hat!

Recently, I found a very cool site where you can purchase your own Bubu attire—Dupsie’s!

Photos Courtesy & Copyright Dupsie’s.