Ear rings (2) - bakelite, - msingha - zulu - South Africa

These are two rare types of Zulu earplugs. It is not a pair. I bought them in 1978 in Hlabatini in the Zulu area. However, they are originally from the Msingha district near the Tugela river. The first type of earplugs were no more than a small black wooden circle. . . After that, this type of earplugs was made, designed from the bakelite of radios, lamps of the white. These are old multi used earplugs and in addition rare types. These earplugs were originally made and worn by the men who worked in the mines. Later on, the earplugs were brought back to their residences, and the women continued the tradition of wearing them. The earplugs were always made by men, which is very exceptional for the Zulu. The correct dimension of both is 52 x 12 mm and 49 x 7 mm.