Pubic Apron Item Number: K5.54 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small apron, or pubic cover. Band is beaded with a red and white lozenge pattern on a blue background. Long fringe, mainly of white and black beads, with one blue and three red beads on each strand.
History Of Use
South Nguni style pubic cover (inkciyo); worn by females, and infants. As children gain status throughout their life, more types of beadwork adornment become acceptable to wear. Infants wear inkciyo as they are modest and relatively simple. They are slightly different depending on the sex of the wearer, and their age; male covers only have beads on the front, female covers have fringe on the front and back. The fringe also lengthens as the child matures. Traditional threading for these covers are made almost exclusively by young women during the winter months, when domestic and agricultural duties are lessened; the beading process is called ukuhlahla.
Narrative
Collected by Captain E. M. Wilmot, 1899-1902.
Item History
- Made in Natal, South Africa before 1902
- Collected between 1899 and 1902
- Owned by Edmond M. Wilmot
- Owned by Francis H. Wilmot before March 14, 1960
- Received from Francis H. Wilmot (Donor) on March 14, 1960
What
Who
- Culture
- Xhosa
- Previous Owner
- Edmond M. Wilmot and Francis H. Wilmot
- Received from
- Francis H. Wilmot (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Natal, South Africa
When
- Creation Date
- before 1902
- Collection Date
- between 1899 and 1902
- Ownership Date
- before March 14, 1960
- Acquisition Date
- on March 14, 1960
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 102
- Accession Number
- 0019/0021