Explore Black History

2000-2017

A burgundy, red, and orange dashiki robe worn by Dr. Baba Chuck Davis. The robe is constructed from burgundy brocade heavily decorated with red, orange, and white embroidery on the front and back. The robe is a large rectangle of fabric that has been folded over to make arm holes and stitched closed near the bottom left and right edges. The left and right edges of the robe are selvage edges. The fold at the top of the robe has an asymmetrical V-neck cut out of the front. The neckline is heavily embroidered with white filigree embroidery overlaid with two (2) large vertical bands of red paisleys and orange, interlocking diamonds. On the proper right side of the V-neck is a triangular field of alternating red horizontal lines, yellow vertical lines, and white wavy lines. To the right of the triangular field is an encircled, orange, equilateral cross. Each quadrant of the cross is filled in with a solid colors: green, red, blue and, white embroidery. Vertical bands of red curlicue lines and red and orange circular swirls bands, separated by white lines, run down the proper left chest to the bottom of the robe. The vertical edges are decorated with additional bands of red and white curlicue lines and yellow circular swirls. The back of the robe has a large central design that includes two (2) stacked abstract figures and a white dove with extended wings. The two figures are overlaid and are mostly embroidered in black and are outlined in orange. Their faces and negative spaces made by their arms are embroidered in red. The bottom figure is depicted in profile from the ankles up. The figure is facing the proper right edge of the robe with their proper right arm extended and the hand raised to just in front of the face. The proper left arm is resting at the hip. The top figure is depicted from the waist up facing the proper left edge of the robes. The figure is depicted with his proper left arm raised to the side of his face and his proper right hand resting on a pair of drums. The drums are embroidered in red and white. The top figure’s head overlays on the dove’s proper left wing. The central design is framed on either sides by vertical bands of red curlicue lines and red and orange circular swirls bands separated by white lines.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Dr. Baba Chuck Davis Archive

Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Clothing - Costume

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ngoma & Normadien Woolbright in memory of Dr. Chuck Davis

National Museum of African American History and Culture

A2018.98.1.9.3

robes

Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

thread on cotton (textile)

H x W: 66 1/8 × 66 15/16 in. (168 × 170 cm)

Object Name • Burgundy, red, and orange dashiki robe worn by Dr. Baba Chuck Davis

nmaahc_A2018.98.1.9.3

NMAAHC

BURGUNDY, RED, AND ORANGE DASHIKI ROBE WORN BY DR. BABA CHUCK DAVIS

National Museum of African American History and Culture

CC0

2010s • 2000s

Clothing and dress • Modern dance • Ornamentation

Unknown - Restrictions Possible