Wedding cape

This is a wedding cape (Izikoti) made of fifteen (check count) 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.

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.

Rectangular cape made of fifteen overlapping cloth panels edged with beaded bands of multi-colored geometric patterns. The top two panels are dark green and blue; the other panels are layered in sequence so that only the beaded bands are visible. Long light blue bead tails hang from the center of the cape.

Dr. Penelope Brook, purchased from the Totem Meneghelli Gallery in Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa; 1997-2015

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