Pubic Apron (Pikuran)

Date19th - 20th century

Culture of Origin Matakam

Label TextIron 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.

Object number2007.126

Photo CreditPhoto by Tom Joyce

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, 2009Published 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

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

Dimensions4 1/2 x 10 x 1/2 in. (11.4 x 25.4 x 1.3 cm)

MediumIron, raffia fiber