Images(2)

Skirt

Date20th century

Label TextWhen an Ndebele woman marries, she is first given an unbeaded goat skin in a shape similar to this. After several months, the bride's mother-in-law sews a version that is completely beaded. As the woman settles into her marriage, she can begin to make aprons and paint walls that distinguish her aesthetic sensitivity. This example shows an early 20th century preference for large expanses of white beads. Toward the end of the 20th century, Ndebele women began making garments out of plastic with electrical tape, rickrack and lace added with glue.

Object number81.17.1290

Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia

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, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Lessons from the Institute of Empathy, Mar. 31, 2018 - ongoing.

Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

Dimensions29 1/8 x 27 1/4 x 1/2in. (74 x 69.2 x 1.3cm)

MediumLeather, glass beads, and brass rings