Ndebele Beaded Child's Apron

c. 1950
$1,880 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 11.75" D: 1.75" H: 9.5"
Materials
Bead
Fabric
Collection #
CAA0698
Estimated Shipping
$75

A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and authority in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This exquisite example of African beadwork is a small apron known as lighabi, worn by children of the Ndebele peoples of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The lighabi would have been attached to the front of a skirt via the top band of stiff canvas, densely embroidered with geometric beadwork. A beaded fringe hangs below, designed to sway with each step and amplify the lively movements of the child who once wore this exquisite piece.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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