• Additional view of object
Jul 7, 2022

Ceremonial beadwork for a Xhosa royal woman: headdress (umnqwazi), pendant, breast cover (incebetha), pair of anklets (izitsaba)

Ceremonial beadwork for a Xhosa royal woman: headdress (umnqwazi), pendant, breast cover (incebetha), pair of anklets (izitsaba)

1800s

Part of a set. See all set records

Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Southeast Cape Region, Unknown female Xhosa-style maker

(s)

Glass beads, sinew, hide, ceramic

Severance and Greta Millikin Trust 2022.49

Location

not on view

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Did you know?

The beads to make an ensemble like this cost several cattle in the early nineteenth century, an amount most couldn't afford.

Description

Elite Xhosa women once wore beaded garments like this on festive occasions. Made almost completely from imported Venetian or Bohemian glass beads, they were overt status symbols. Imported beads functioned as money for the Xhosa between about 1770 and 1829. These garments’ female maker carefully selected beads of the highest quality, uniform in color, shape, and size. Made in the same shape as the pendant, a swallowtail-shaped apron (CMA 2010.206) worn under the skirt completed the ensemble.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Mixed Media
Medium: 
Glass beads, sinew, hide, ceramic
Credit line: 
Severance and Greta Millikin Trust

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