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West African Boogie Monsters

Jun 3, 2010 06:50 AM

Here's a little inspiration for the aspiring fashion designers out there. Having majored in textile design (printing and weaving), I am totally stunned by these West African ritual garments.

Just beautiful (I especially like the slight bogeyman vibe).

I don't know about you, but I suddenly find myself interested in picking up knitting.

"Large-scale color photographs from 2005 to 2006 reflect the ritual adornment and spirituality of masquerade in Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso in West Africa. These portraits of masqueraders build on Galembo's work of the past twenty years photographing the rituals and religious culture in Nigeria, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti, as well as the homegrown custom of Halloween in the United States. Organized by Ian Berry, Malloy Curator of the Tang Museum, in collaboration with the artist."

– Tang Museum

Three individuals dressed in traditional colorful attire, standing against a textured brown wall.

Three individuals wearing vibrant, patterned knit outfits against a textured wall backdrop.

Traditional masked performers in colorful costumes.

Traditional costume adorned with grass and fabric, displayed against a plain background.

Culturally significant figure in colorful traditional attire with a mask.

Cultural figures in traditional attire with dolls in a textured backdrop.

Cultural figure in elaborate costume against a turquoise background.

Traditional vibrant masks displayed among lush greenery.

Cultural statue dressed in vibrant traditional garments.

Photographs by Phyllis Galemb.

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