Context (Amendments / updates)
Catalogue card: 'This is part of the ceremonial dress of a chief or Ras. The fact that this cape has six lappets instead of five (four paws and tail), as in 1923.20, suggests that it is of a later type, i.e. further from the lion or leopard skin which it imitates; the forms of the metal ornaments are also more simplified, or formalised, than those on 1922.20.'
Event Date 1944
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (Amendments / updates)
Catalogue card: 'The cape was described by the donor as a 'priest's cope' but this must be due either to a misunderstanding or to a very recent change of function, as there is no doubt that capes of this type were part of the chief's ceremonial dress.
cf. 1923.19-22.'
Event Date 1944
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Cape, or cloak, of black velvet, with six long lappets; these represent the paws and tail of the lion or leopard skin from which this type of cape is derived. The cape is richly embroidered with silk and with appliqués of silver and brass; silver-gilt clasps on the breast.'




Event Date 1944
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
There are actually seven lappets. The lining is blue, bordered with pink. The outside of the piece is black and embroidered with green, pink and yellow.
Event Date 19/9/2005
Author: rachel hand

Conservation (Repack)
CON.2015.1613 | Repack
Event Date 17/6/2015
Author: cft31

Description (Physical description)
Shoulder cloak/shawl. Seven descending extensions terminating in trefoil shape. Exterior is black velvet, heavily decorated with large numbers of various, stitched-on metal ornaments and multicoloured floral embroidery. Interior is blue with pink trim.
Event Date 7/12/2016
Author: maa