Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

South African Skirt

Posted by Edith D on March 8, 2013 at 3:28am

Mid-20th century skirt made from glass beads, brass beads and metal bottle caps. From the Xhosa culture. The cross motifs in the waist-band design show the influence of Christianity in traditional crafts.

Comments

Edith D March 8, 2013 at 3:33am

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Ishvara Dhyan November 5, 2014 at 2:41pm

This belongs to the Mfengu Clan and is called Inkciyo in Xhosa . Young virgins aged 13/14 wear this to do ceremonial dances .
Edith D November 7, 2014 at 10:00pm

Thanks Ishvara: This is one of my favorite pieces purchased in Durban, South Africa. It came with a tag that indicates that it was made in the 1950s for the Midutshane clan. My favorite part are the bottle caps attached to the strings of metal "beads" which appear to be some type of industrial component (some kind of washer?) I love the way South Africans fashion found objects into decoration.