Image Coming Soon

Woman's garment

20th century

Hides 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.

Antelope hide and glass beads

29 in. (73.7 cm)

L.: 20 1/16 in.

Overall w.: 54 in.

Gift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

81.17.1263

Not currently on view

Resources

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

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM