Apron
Date20th century
Label TextIn a Kirdi community, the chevron and triangular patterns so clearly laid out in these pubic aprons could have been read to identify aspects of the life of the wearer. Whether the woman was a young girl, married or widowed, and whether she belonged to a particular group or age grade was likely spelled out. However, the government of Cameroon outlawed the wearing of such aprons in the last generation and knowledge of this graphic language has been lost.
Object number2004.111
Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, A Bead Quiz, July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009Credit LineGift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions8 x 19in. (20.3 x 48.3cm)
MediumCord, beads, cowrie shells
Object number: 81.17.1132
Object number: 2001.375.3.1
Object number: 2001.375.3.2
Object number: 2001.387
Object number: 2001.388
Object number: 2001.389
Object number: 2001.390
Object number: 2001.375.4.1
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