NAM.1960-08-101-2

Ansar Jibbah. associated with Sudan-Abyssinian Frontier (1885-1891). Jibbah was reputedly worn by Wad El Nejumi who was killed at Toski in 1889. The colourful patches were initially added to simple designs of civilian smock by the Mahdist Ansar (helpers) as symbolic representations of poverty and virtue. As the manufacture of these garments became more organised to meet demand, so more uniformity was introduced, with the square or rectangular patches on later Ansar jibbehs followed broadly symmetrical designs. Despite their symbolism, the Mahdist garments could vary greatly in quality and those that have survived, as either souvenirs or trophies, tend to be of superior manufacture. Collected by General Francis Grenfell at the Battle of Toski, 1889

Toski, Battle of, 1889 (Sudan-Abyssinian Frontier 1885-1891)