Old "Sanyan" Style & Indigo Aso-Oke Strip Woven Robe Textile Nigeria Yoruba

Description

DESCRIPTION:  This is an Older Handmade Nigerian Strip-Woven
Natural Tan hand-spun Cotton
Nigerian Aso-Oke/Ashoke/Asoke Traditional Upscale Man's Robe with strips of a striped Strip-Woven Cotton Indigo with light blue and silver metallic threads.
The Tan Strips are a more delicate handwoven Cotton, which is made to resemble and honor the Antique "Sanyan", - a wild Silk that would have been obtained locally from the cocoons of the Anaphe moth.
Also we see a lace type of open hole and string design referred to as "eleya", and seen on some of the Older and fancy Robes.  The Indigo Blue strips, which seem less worn overall, incorporate a silver metallic-look thread.  Overall the Robe is in good to fairly good condition, but has some areas with stains (see photos), and some of the Tan strips are more worn in some areas with some fraying noted (see photos- first tan strip from the top).  Machine stitched together hand woven strips.  It may be possible that the Tan portion was a valued piece and portions were repurposed or that the indigo portion is just more robust.  This is Nigerian, probably Yoruba but may be another nearby Regional Group.
This could be great to "Upcycle", maybe into Pillows.  However also great as is with some cleaning.  Priced accordingly!
Traditionally the silk Sanyan robe was very important and valued, and would have been worn during special events such as Weddings and Funerals.
Spinning and Weaving of Wild Silk has reportedly disappeared in Nigeria, unfortunately, according to respected sources [example-"Textiles: Collection of the Museum of International Folk Art", Bobbie Sumberg, pg.125 ].
Fine Cotton robes resembling the silk Sanyan in color and design were gradually incorporated over the past 100 years and are considered prestigious and still worn by many Nigerians for very Important events such as Weddings and Funerals, and Both are considered Family Heirlooms.
SIZE:  Measuring ~70" X 59".  There are #7 strips of Indigo Blue, yellow, lt. blue Cotton, with stripe of silver metallic thread.
There are #8 Strips of the Tan "Sanyan Style" Cotton strips.
WEIGHT: 1 Pound 12.6 Oz
CONDITION:  This is an Old Vintage to Semi-Antique Textile that has been Worn, and shows signs of wear and tear, some stains, some fraying, and some areas of more wear (see first tan strip from top) but overall a very pretty usable robe.  Could use a wash (see care below).  Very Pretty though!
Please use photos to help determine appearance and condition and zoom in as needed.
I have taken photos of each quadrant, in order: Photo #2= bottom left, #3 middle bottom, #4 bottom right, # 5 upper left , #6 upper right.  Photos #8 & #9 are close ups- and #9 shows a strip of Tan that has small openwork sections and is more worn and dirty looking in general.
Please use photos to help determine appearance and condition and zoom in as needed.
CARE: Has not been laundered by me, but if desired, I would spot test first and hand wash in cold water, mild soap, and not use harsh modern detergents.  Perhaps could be dry cleaned, but avoid harsh chemicals and alert Dry Cleaner that this is an Old Handmade, handwoven Textile.
PLEASE contact me before paying if you are buying multiple items and I will quote for adjusted combined shipping price.  Thanks!
I have been buying Antique Trade Beads for almost 50 years, and had a Wholesale and Retail Bead Store, Folk Art, and Tribal Art Store in Greensboro, NC for some 25 years (Lost and Found Gallery), and am now semi-retired.  We are just beginning to sell on eBay.  Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the beads.
Sorry but we can only ship to the Continental USA at this time, but hope to expand in the near future.
PAYMENT: We accept PayPal, but hope to expand your options in the near future
SHIPPING: We Pack very well, insure, and (usually) ship USPS Priority*
*Please NOTE: for HEAVY (1 Lb. and over) and LARGE Packages You Can PICK USPS RETAIL GROUND to SAVE MONEY BUT it Takes Much LONGER to Arrive!!  Toggle Choice.