Belt

Object Details

Zulu artist

Description

The base of the belt is an elongated panel of fiber basket work. Rows of 8cm lengths of reeds have been knotted onto the front of the belt; fiber knotting completely covers the reeds. Four rectangles are formed by metal buttons in 4x5 rows, which are attached with fiber cords on the reverse. The tops of the buttons are copper alloy; underneath the fastening devices are iron. Each rounded end has small strands of glass beads attached.

Provenance

This collection of Zulu beadwork was given to William F. Brodnax III of Washington D.C. and the West Indies in 1943, (when he was 12 years old) by Mrs. Percy Paris. According to Mr Brodnax, Mrs. Paris who was a friend of his grandmother's, was born in South Africa between 1880 and 1885. The beadwork had been given to Mrs. Paris by her father, who was a high-level Colonial Administrator (possibly Governor) in Natal or Cape Colony around the turn of the century. William Brodnax does not know Mrs. Paris' maiden name.

Content Statement

As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.

Image Requests

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Credit Line

Gift of William F. Brodnax III

Late 19th-early 20th century

Object number

99-6-3

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Textile and Fiber Arts

Medium

Plant fiber, reed, copper alloy and iron buttons, glass beads

Dimensions

H x W x D: present condition: 32.8 x 19.3 x 5.8 cm (12 15/16 x 7 5/8 x 2 5/16 in.)

Geography

KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

male

Record ID

nmafa_99-6-3

Metadata Usage (text)

Not determined

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys73c9d9c48-298c-4d2c-8529-57ff2a6bf359