1950's African Ndebele Beaded Leather Loincloth

South Africa, Ndebele, ca. 1950's to 1960's. A beaded loin cloth made from four pieces of animal hide - one large rectangular section with three finger-shaped sections attached at the lower end adorned with glass beading that depicts a house form at the center and decorative motifs below - all in cherry red, apple green, aqua blue, royal blue, and black on a white ground with rose-hued beads creating a border around three sides of the composition. Above are red and blue motifs underscored with a white zigzag strand against the natural color of the hide. The Ndebele are known for their exquisite beadwork. Similar examples with five panels on the lower section are worn by brides on their wedding day. However, men and children also wear such loincloths. Given its size, this one was likely intended for a child. Size: 8.5" L (straps) x 7.25" W x 10.75" H (21.6 cm x 18.4 cm x 27.3 cm)

Provenance: private S.S. collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#145480
Condition Report: Expected age wear to leather - old repair visible on verso and probable loss to ends of straps. Glass beadwork is very well preserved.