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 number2004.112

Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, A Bead Quiz, July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009Published ReferencesMcClusky, Pamela, Repeat, Repeat, A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 137, illus. 117.

Credit LineGift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

Dimensions7 x 18 1/2in. (17.8 x 47cm)

MediumCord, beads, cowrie shells