Ingqosha (Collar)
Mfengu; Xhosa; Southern Nguni
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
This necklace would have been worn by a young man along with an ensemble of other necklaces, belts, and head, arm, and leg bands as an indication of his new adult status, following circumcision. Visually setting off the head from the rest of the torso, it would have provided a background for other beaded neck ornaments.
Caption
Mfengu; Xhosa; Southern Nguni. Ingqosha (Collar), early 20th century. Glass seed beads, sinew, Lower curve length: 27 x 5 in. (68.6 x 12.7 cm) Upper curve: 15 in. (38.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Blum, 66.86.14. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Cultures
Title
Ingqosha (Collar)
Date
early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Eastern Cape Province or Free State, South Africa
Medium
Glass seed beads, sinew
Classification
Dimensions
Lower curve length: 27 x 5 in. (68.6 x 12.7 cm) Upper curve: 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Blum
Accession Number
66.86.14
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