Bidspirit auction | 20th c. West African Mali

20th c. West African Mali Hunter's Tunic Shirt - West African Mali hunter's shirt, possibly in the style of the Bamana or Dogon tribe, 20th century. Made of a coarse, handspun fabric with applied leather threads securing embellishments throughout. The ornamentation signifies traditional talismans and symbols of prosperity and success for hunters including leather or hide tassels, real animal teeth as well as carved wooden tusks, and a variety of embossed brown and red leather and fabric charms. This garment and others that are similar to it may be worn ceremonially or to protect the hunter. Full length: 38 in x chest: 27 in x shoulder-to-shoulder: 23 in x sleeve: 11 1/2 in. Condition: Wear throughout consistent with age and use. Some loose fibers, particularly along the edges of the garment. There is one repair to one of the applied talon-like decorations, which is attached by a navy blue stand of yarn instead of a leather tassel; this is only visible upon close inspection.