Wedding cape

Object Details

Zulu artist

Label Text

This is a wedding cape (Izikoti) made of fifteen (check count) overlapping cloth panels edged with beaded bands of multi-colored geometric patterns. The panels are layered in sequence so that only the beaded bands are visible.

Traditionally, a bride herself created one of the bands, usually to convey a personal message. The bands with white fields were made by the bride's older relatives and those with black fields were the work of the younger generations.

Description

Rectangular cape made of fifteen overlapping cloth panels edged with beaded bands of multi-colored geometric patterns. The top two panels are dark green and blue; the other panels are layered in sequence so that only the beaded bands are visible. Long light blue bead tails hang from the center of the cape.

Provenance

Dr. Penelope Brook, purchased from the Totem Meneghelli Gallery in Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa; 1997-2015

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift of Penelope Brook

Mid- to late 20th century

Object number

2015-17-2

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Textile and Fiber Arts

Medium

Cloth, glass beads, metal buttons

Dimensions

H x W x D: 100.2 × 92.3 × 3.5 cm (39 7/16 × 36 5/16 × 1 3/8 in.)

Geography

South Africa

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Object Name

izikoti

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Marriage

Adornment

Female use

male

Record ID

nmafa_2015-17-2

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys71e91f9a3-7d15-411f-afb2-5b490130cdaf