Image Not Available

Woman's garment

Date20th century

Label TextHides of the impala or reedbuck antelope are the basis for skirts in northern Botswana. On top of the hides, strips of leather and beaded mesh add geometry to women's bodies. Originally, beads in this region were created out of cut pieces of ostrich shell which were hand cut and drilled. After the arrival of missionaries, glass beads began to replace the ostrich but maintain their coloration. The only exceptions to the black and white palette are tiny pink accents which add a distinctive element for women to wear on special occasions.

Object number81.17.1263

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, African Panoplies: Art for Rulers, Traders, Hunters, and Priests, Apr. 21 - Aug. 14, 1988. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, A Bead Quiz, July 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009

Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

Dimensions29 in. (73.7 cm) L.: 20 1/16 in. Overall w.: 54 in.

MediumAntelope hide and glass beads