African Zulu Old Belt Woven Grass Beaded Brass Studded Identify Zulu Womens Belt

This is a lovely Beaded and Woven Grass Zulu Woman's Belt from South Africa. This Zulu woman's belt identifies the wearer as a married woman with children. Woven grass belts worn by Zulu women identify the wearer as a married woman with children. Zulu beadwork has been valued as currency, as decoration, and as a marker of identity. Beadwork became a status symbol and an important item of personal expression as well. Stylistic variations of beadwork such as pattern, color and color sequence indicate area or group affiliation. Colors and patterns take on more personally expressive meanings. Recently beadwork has become a symbol of political identity as well, with color and pattern indicating political affiliation.
These Zulu belts were adorned in earlier times with brass studs and then later with glass and plastic beads. This belt seems to be a cross between two types, the isibamba, a flexible belt with densely beaded strands, and an ixhama, a wider, tightly woven belt with sparser beadwork.

Mid S 20th- Century

Shows age, but overall in good condition.

32" long

2" wide

7 1/2" Long Strings"

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