Pubic Apron (Pikuran)

19th - 20th century

Iron has been drawn, curled and rolled at a forge to create these pointed beads which accumulate to form an apron for a woman in northern Cameroon. This bristling mobile mass would call attention to a woman's body and stands in contrast to the spiraling flat form of a belt ornament that men wore. It was regularly washed with sand to polish the surface.

Iron, raffia fiber

4 1/2 x 10 x 1/2 in. (11.4 x 25.4 x 1.3cm)

Partial gift of Tom Joyce and partial purchase with funds from John and Robyn Horn

2007.126

Photo by Tom Joyce

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistoryAsheville, North Carolina, Life Force at the Anvil, A Blacksmith's Art from Africa, May 22 - August 28, 1998

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, A Bead Quiz, July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009

Published ReferencesFisher, Angela. Africa Adorned. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1987 p.139

Chesi, Gert. Last Africans, Austria: Perlinger, 1978 p. 30

Huet, Michel. Dances of Africa, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1996

Borel, France. Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1994

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