Skirt

20th century

When 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.

Leather, glass beads, and brass rings

29 1/8 x 27 1/4 x 1/2in. (74 x 69.2 x 1.3cm)

Gift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

81.17.1290

Photo: Paul Macapia

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

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

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.

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