Cameroon Embroidered Dress

Embroidered festival dress from the Cameroon grasslands.In its decoration it is similar to the large tunics of the region.  The use of this type of elaborate embroidery became popular in the 19th century, possibly due to the influence of the Hausa traders who traveled throughout the region. The decorative elements are mostly zoomorphic or abstract shapes with defined and decorated neck, hem and sleeve openings.

Black cotton with red, yellow, white cotton embroidery, primarily done in ladder stitch which is a variation of chain stitch with some detailing executed in cross stitch.