Guinea-Bissau Natural Raffia Skirt

Guinea-Bissau Natural Raffia Skirt

Bidjogo Culture

Many different cultures in Africa use raffia “skirts” to cover the bodies of the masqueraders. The “skirts” may be worn at the waist, or they hang from the neck of the dancer or be attached to the bottom of masks. In some cases, the masquerader wears skirts at the neck and waist, completely covering the body and creating an impression of an earthly creature. The simple design of this raffia skirt with the hanging raffia secured only to the simple belt, allows the raffia to swing freely and to rustle. This adds the dimensions of sounds and great movement to the dances that the masqueraders perform.

Research by Erin Dooley and Andrea Lisek, 2008, Missouri State University Students. Mentor: Dr. Billie Follensbee

20th

42 cm h. x 82 cm w.

Sculpture

Raffia

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Stoneman

1985.43B

1985

20150046