Description

The Riga is a male robe commonly worn in West Africa, particularly by the Hausa, Nupe, and Fulbe peoples of Nigeria. This heavy bat-winged garment shares similarities with the Agbada worn by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The male Hausa attire typically includes the Riga or Babariga (outer robe), jalabiya (inner tunic), Wando (trousers), and hula (cap).

This traditional robe is crafted from narrow bands of cotton, each 4.5 cm wide. The fabric features light blue warp stripes that run vertically on the body and horizontally on the sleeves. The robe has a broad body with deep sleeves that angle inwards at the hem, extending almost to the bottom. The front and back are adorned with large embroidered swirls, created using white cotton chain and eyelet stitches, along with natural couched threads. A prominent spiral design (gidan nazuman) is featured on the back and right front side, while geometric patterns and stylized motifs, a variation of the eight knives' design (aska takwas) decorate the left front side, forming a pocket, and extend over the left shoulder. The hem is finished with joined narrow bands of magenta cotton, accented by narrow white stripes.