Cane Item Number: Ab307 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden cane covered almost entirely in bands (8-9 cm wide) of blue, white, and red beads. Handle has pink and blue beadwork. Remaining bands have multi-coloured geometric designs. Handle end is rounded wood, and bottom has tapering metal tip.
History Of Use
Beads are used to decorate royal objects such as staffs which are associated with court ceremonial. Tribal designs such as triangle motifs and interlacing diamond patterns have symbolic importance. North Nguni groups are highly skilled in fashioning geometric motifs that usually carry a message or state a proverb.
Cultural Context
Walking accessory; ornamental; status
Item History
- Made in Natal, South Africa before 1952
- Collected before 1952
- Owned by C. Mackenzie before November 17, 1980
- Received from C. Mackenzie (Donor) on November 17, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Zulu
- Previous Owner
- C. Mackenzie
- Received from
- C. Mackenzie (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Natal, South Africa
When
- Creation Date
- before 1952
- Collection Date
- before 1952
- Ownership Date
- before November 17, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on November 17, 1980
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 102
- Accession Number
- 0678/0001