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| Full Citation |
| Material Information |
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Title: |
Gala Blanket (nguba) |
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Physical Description: |
Commercial blanket, fiber, glass beads, 5 ft. 2 in. x 5 ft. 2 in. (157.5 x 157.5 cm) |
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Creator: |
Ndebele People |
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Donor: |
William D. and Norma Canelas Roth ( donor ) |
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Publication Date: |
c. 1960 |
| Subjects |
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Subject: |
Exhibition -- Between the Beads: Reading African Beadwork |
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Spatial Coverage: |
Africa -- South Africa |
| Notes |
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Abstract: |
In the early to mid-20th century, England exported wool blankets manufactured by the Middleburg Company to South Africa. The multi-colored striped blankets became a favorite of Ndebele women who enhanced them with large horizontal beaded panels. Popularly named “Middleburg blankets,” or by their vernacular name, irari or nguba, the blankets replaced older skin capes worn on festive occasions such as weddings and initiations. Pink and red striped blankets covered with beadwork are identified as nguba, and were preferred for gala events. The dark beadwork panels have motifs suggesting modern homes with staircases, windows, and electric lights. The lavish use of imported glass seed beads also demonstrates the wealth of the owner. |
| Record Information |
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Bibliographic ID: |
UF00083078 |
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Volume ID: |
VID00001 |
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Source Institution: |
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art |
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Holding Location: |
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art |
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Rights Management: |
All rights reserved by the source institution and holding location. |
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Resource Identifier: |
2005.47.4 |
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