2002.36

White cotton tunic or jubba from Sudan, north-east Africa, with red, blue and brown patches and an elaborate breast pocket. Worn by a soldier or 'Ansar' of the Mahdi and his successor the Khalifa, between 1880 and 1898. The design of these patched tunics is based on those of the darawish or Dervishes, meaning the poor men, and signified a contempt for worldly goods. Probably taken after the Sudanese campaign of 1898.

Sudan

1880 - 1899

Late 19th century