Neck Ring Item Number: 1689/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long tubular beaded neck ring with alternating sections of blue, red, light-green, and white beads. Each section has row of six beads and is separated by a single row of black beads. At each end, there is a section of light pink coloured beads. At one end, there is a fibre loop.
History Of Use
Head or neck piece (umgingqo, plural imigingqo) worn my men and women. In the early 20th century beaded items were primarily used for courting Zulu adults, and to display wealth and social standing. Though a unisex accessory, imigingqo are only made by women who can give them as a gift to a male suitor, as a means to regulate the relationships between man and woman. Alternatively, a woman can opt to wear the umgingqo herself, often accessorizing it with other beaded items. Typically more numerous and elaborate beaded items are worn at special or ceremonial occasions, where the wealthiest members of society make their standing known. Today imigingqo can still be found around peoples’ necks or for sale in bead artisan’s shops, though they are less prominent in day-to-day life.
Iconographic Meaning
Each colour in Zulu beadwork is associated with a traditional proverb, allowing for a translation of meaning; the specifics of the message are known only to the maker. In this umbingqo, the colours white (obumhlope), black (obumnyama), red (umgazi), yellow (incombo), blue (inkankane), and pink (umgcawu) are used.
Specific Techniques
Imigingqo are made using a beadworking technique called gongqoloza, which involves wrapping a string of already-strung beads around a core; made from either cloth or glass.
Item History
- Made in South Africa during 1900
- Owned by Jean Downer before March 15, 1996
- Received from Jean Downer (Donor) on March 15, 1996
What
Who
- Culture
- Zulu ?
- Previous Owner
- Jean Downer
- Received from
- Jean Downer (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- South Africa
When
- Creation Date
- during 1900
- Ownership Date
- before March 15, 1996
- Acquisition Date
- on March 15, 1996
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 102
- Accession Number
- 1689/0002