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Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
$218
£164.67
€190.32
CA$306.35
A$340.61
CHF 179.35
MX$4,132.58
NOK 2,270.66
SEK 2,122.51
DKK 1,420.26
About the Item
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads became gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is an initiation doll of the Ndebele people of South Africa. These dolls are made with tall wooden bodies, layered in cotton and highly decorated with various fabrics, metal rings and dense beadwork. The doll is dressed in a traditional apron used to signify a married woman's status as a parent. Wrapped around the neck and legs are silver bangles, an old Ndebele tradition used to symbolize a woman's bond and faithfulness to her husband. Traditional dolls like these were believed to be protective objects for women who are expecting children. Mounted on wooden blocks, the colorful doll now lives on as a storied work of sculpture.
From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.
- Dimensions:Height: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Width: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: CFC555D1stDibs: LU820037570562
About the Seller
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Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
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Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
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A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
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Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
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