Under apron (iinkciya)

1800s–1900s
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.
Under apron (iinkciya)

Under apron (iinkciya)

1800s–1900s

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

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