Apron
Arts of the Americas
On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
The Yekuana of Venezuela first acquired small European glass beads through trade with the Spanish explorers who arrived in the region in 1759 and established settlements on the lower Orinoco River. Before Western clothing became fashionable, the beaded apron was the most intricate item in a woman’s wardrobe, reserved for ceremonial occasions. The trapezoidal aprons in blue, red, and white—the most popular colors—usually have geometric designs along the upper and lower edges with solid-color beadwork in between.
MEDIUM
Cotton, beads
DATES
ca. 1930
DIMENSIONS
9 1/16 x 16 9/16 in. (23 x 42.1 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
30.1346
CREDIT LINE
Museum Expedition 1930, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund and the Museum Collection Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Woman's beaded dance apron (muaho) of blue, red and white beads and a fringe of cotton thread hanging from the bottom. The garment is tied around the waist with a string and worn for ceremonial occasions.
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