Artwork Page for Under apron (iinkciya)

Details / Information for Under apron (iinkciya)

Under apron (iinkciya)

1800s–1900s

Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Xhosa-style (South Nguni) maker

Medium
Leather, glass beads, and sinew
Measurements
Overall: 34 x 18 x 2.5 cm (13 3/8 x 7 1/16 x 1 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.206
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Women made beaded "aprons" like this to wear under their clothes on festive occasions in the nineteenth century; expensive imported beads were a sign of wealth and status.

Description

This is an exquisite example of a rare type of swallowtail-shaped apron worn by young female initiates until the mid-19th century. On the upper portion, the black beads were applied in such a way that they can be read as a human face or even as a full figure. In fact, the overall form of the apron can be viewed as representing the lower torso and legs of a woman with a neatly marked pubic region.
A vertically oriented bead and leather garment tapers from a wide upper section into two long, slender legs. Dense rows of creamy white glass beads form a background for bold black patterns. Near the top, two semi-circles flank a central circular motif containing a cross. Thick black lines descend each leg toward black beaded tips. Tiny turquoise and pink beads accent the upper design, punctuating the textured, rhythmic surface of the beadwork.

Under apron (iinkciya)

1800s–1900s

Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Xhosa-style (South Nguni) maker

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