Object Details
Maker
Zulu artist
Label Text
This is a wedding cape (Izikoti) made of thirteen overlapping cloth panels edged with beaded bands of multi-colored geometric patterns. The panels are layered in sequence so that only the beaded bands are visible. The long white bead tails that hang from the center of the cape indicate that the bride had not borne children before marriage.
Traditionally, a bride herself created one of the bands, usually to convey a personal message. The bands with white fields were made by the bride's older relatives and those with black fields were the work of the younger generations.
Description
Rectangular cape made of thirteen overlapping cloth panels edged with beaded bands of multi-colored geometric patterns. The panels are layered in sequence so that only the beaded bands are visible. Long white bead tails hang from the center of the cape.
Provenance
Unknown beadmaker, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa; acquired under unknown circumstances by unknown farmer, Drakensberg area, South Africa, ca. 1930s or 1940s [1]; sold to Ken Karner, Franschhoek, South Africa, before 1990; sold to Michael Oliver, New York, ca. 1990; sold to the National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., 1999.
[1] David Binkley in a telephone conversation with Michael Oliver, April 27, 1999.
Exhibition History
Life Objects: Rites of Passage in African Art, Princeton University Art Museum, September 19, 2009-January 24, 2010
Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, April 26-September 14, 2008, no. 115
Published References
Richter, Paula Bradstreet (ed). 2008. Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony.
Salem: Peabody Essex Museum; Hanover: distributed by University Press of New England, pp. 154-155, no. 115.
Content Statement
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Credit Line
Museum purchase
Date
Early 20th century
Object number
99-4-2
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Textile and Fiber Arts
Medium
Cloth, beads, metal buttons
Dimensions
H x W x D: 98 x 93 x 3 cm (38 9/16 x 36 5/8 x 1 3/16 in.)
Geography
South Africa
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
Marriage
Adornment
male
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_99-4-2