19TH CENTURY ETHIOPIAN ~ EMBROIDERED TRIBAL CAPE ~ ESTATE ITEM

This Ethiopian Embroidered Tribal Cape was purchased from the estate of a diplomat who was overseas in the late 1800's. It is one of the most unusual items I have come across and I believe it dates from the 1880's.

Cape is made of lion skin that has areas of heavy embroidery (see photos). It is very solid overall and weighs about 8 lbs. with all the bullion embroidery. It measures approximately 40 inches from the collar edge to the tip of the longest tail (see photos). The lion skin edges are all trimmed with a green material and the interior is lined with a redish/pink material that is clearly pre-1900. Bullion work is very exquisite and done with silver & gold metal threads as well as sequins and colored stones (see photos). The closure to the front does not appear to function as far as opening and I believe the cape was just lowered over the wearers head.

I contacted vintage clothing galleries and was told what this cape was and that is would have been worn by individuals of high status such as priests or members of the emperors family. Similar examples have been seen but not in this high quality condition (see photos).

This cape is extremely unusual and in very good condition for its age. I have no idea of value so I'm just going to list it and let it go. Guaranteed an original period piece as described.

~Bid with confidence~ NO RESERVE, 7 Day Auction