Isiheshe (Belt with Long Fringe)
Basotho; Zulu; Northern Nguni
1 of 3
Object Label
Southern and eastern Africa has a wide-ranging history of beadwork used for personal ornamentation. The trade in beads flourished in South Africa after 1830. The newfound availability of glass beads diminished their value as status objects but stimulated the development of new forms of personal adornment, including this waistband worn by a young woman in the period between initiation and marriage.
Caption
Basotho; Zulu; Northern Nguni. Isiheshe (Belt with Long Fringe), 19th century. Glass seed beads, seeds, sinew, 16 3/4 x 3 1/4 in. (42.5 x 8.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Mrs. George Hadden, 52.80.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Cultures
Title
Isiheshe (Belt with Long Fringe)
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Medium
Glass seed beads, seeds, sinew
Classification
Dimensions
16 3/4 x 3 1/4 in. (42.5 x 8.3 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. George Hadden
Accession Number
52.80.2
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at