This apron for a married woman features wire-rimmed shapes onto which beadwork is netted with fishing wire. The predominant use of black beads as a “background” distinguishes beadwork from the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Fabric, glass beads
19 x 31″
X217
Married woman’s apron, worn over a pleated leather skirt. Note the stylized representational designs, rare in Zulu beadwork.
Glass beads, cotton cloth, cotton thread
45 x 17″
GBX173
Man’s rear-apron, ibheshu. Most ceremonial items worn by a Zulu man were made by his wife. This type of apron is the exception, commissioned by the wife from a specialist. The numerous studs and eyelets signified the height of fashion in the early 1960s.
leather, chrome, studs
LGZ10
Apron (bhayi) and belt (isibhamba) worn by married woman. Made by Ngonephi Ndaba of the Mbuzi clan, 1950s. These regional colors are associated with the Zulu royal family and allied clans. The lozenge (diamond) design references the Zulu shield and symbolizes physical and spiritual protection. The triangle signifies love.
glass beads, sinew, string, wool, woven grass
GAX30, GAX42
Detail of diviner’s skirt, associated with spirituality.
X130
Pair of diviner’s skirts. Red, black, and white are associated with spirituality.
Red cloth, thread, white glass beads; black cloth, cerise
X130A (top) and X130 (bottom)
Married woman’s back apron. Along with a front flap apron and back apron this apron ensemble employ the alternative Tonga design convention of pie-shaped motifs in conventional colors.
Glass beads, fabric, thread
DB2
Ndwedwe beadwork, such as this married woman’s front apron, often features multicolored plastic beads and includes metal objects.
23.25 x 19.25″
X80
To see more works and enquire about prices, please contact Axis Gallery.
