Necklace Item Number: K5.16 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Snuff necklace. Red, white, and blue beads with large green glass beads in between. Pendant is a small ribbed gourd or nut shell?
History Of Use
North Nguni style snuff container (ishungu, plural amashungu), made to hang around the neck. They were worn by men who received them as gift from their fiancee. In the early 20th century beaded items were primarily used for courting Zulu adults, and to display wealth and social standing. To initiate a relationship, women give gifts of beaded items to suitors; the more elaborate and extravagant the beads, the more social currency is ascribed to the accessory. In the case of amashungu, extravagance and pleasure are on full display and denote its wearer as a high-status, wealthy, and culturally-relevant individual. As a symbol of courting status, amashungu are designed to facilitate effective and peaceful socialization between the male suitor and his soon-to-be in-laws.
Specific Techniques
Amashungu are made using a beadworking technique called gongqoloza, which involves wrapping a string of already-strung beads around a core.
Item History
- Made in South Africa
- Owned by Union College before July 1960
- Received from Union College (Donor) during July 1960
What
- Name
- Necklace
- Identification Number
- K5.16
- Type of Item
- necklace
- Material
- glass, gourd fruit ? and fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- strung
- Overall
- height 45.0 cm, diameter 4.7 cm
Who
- Culture
- Zulu
- Previous Owner
- Union College
- Received from
- Union College (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- South Africa
When
- Ownership Date
- before July 1960
- Acquisition Date
- during July 1960
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0025/0070