Boubou (clothing)

The big Boubou or Bubu is a loose-fitting, long clothing that is worn by men in West Africa, in some narrower version also in North Africa. In the various ethnic groups he is known under several names, for example:

The big Boubou is now the formal men's clothing in West African countries. He is primarily worn for religious Islamic occasions such as Eid and Friday prayers in the mosque and family events such as weddings or funerals. Especially precious crafted boubous regarded as status symbols of the family and are passed down through generations.

Description

The big Boubou in formal model consists of three parts: a bound at the ankles pants, called Sokoto, an upper part and a wide sleeveless outer garment with deep, buttonless yoke. This is provided with carefully elaborated embroidery trimmings in traditional patterns. The three parts are the same color as a rule, and are traditionally made of silk fabric; nowadays they are also made of cotton or synthetic fabrics.

The wearing of Boubou certain rules that are based on the Islamic law of avoidance of impurity apply. It is important in this context that the union must never touch the ground, therefore it needs to be draped in a wide case over his shoulder while walking or sitting down.

Origin and distribution

The origins of the Boubou date back to the 8th century. Initially thus clad only tribal chiefs of the Yoruba in Nigeria, the Dagomba in Ghana, the Mandinka in the Gambia, the Susu in Guinea and the Temne in Sierra Leone. From there it spread in the wake of migration of semi-nomadic peoples such as the Dyula and Hausa throughout West Africa.

Nowadays the great Boubou is borne predominantly by Muslims. In addition, it is becoming increasingly popular as a fashion accessory even when living in West Africa Christians.

Variants for women

The big Boubou is a men reserved for garment, but there are also varieties for women, but these are worn in a different form. Control rights feminine designs are available in Mali, Senegal, Gambia and Guinea, they are called M'boubou. In other regions of West Africa, there is a female Boubou variant, referred to as the caftan and is worn with a veil.