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Date20th century
MediumGlass beads, metal washers, brass US millitary button, cotton, thread
DimensionsOverall (with mount): 14 1/2 × 10 in. (36.8 × 25.4 cm)
Credit LineGift, in memory of Dr. Mary “Polly” Nooter Roberts, Africanist, art historian, and museum professional
Object number2024.3.7
Not on view
DescriptionTraditional ceremonial dance apron, native term "Inkciyo," worn by young women from the Xhosa people of South Africa. Possibly from the Thembu Kingdom. Izinkcriyo are worn with full skirts, called "umbhaco," by pubescent girls during puberty rights initiation into womanhood. Glass beads, metal washers, and brass US military button (US Army, Great Seal button, 20th century) are of European/American origin and were common trade items during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Additional Details
Provenance
Purchased by Allen F. Roberts and Mary "Polly" Nooter Roberts in 2005 from the African Art Center, Durban, South Africa.
Marsden Hartley
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