Necklace

Item number K5.16 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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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.