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Full Citation |
Material Information |
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Title: |
Married Woman’s Apron (mapotho or lipothu) |
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Physical Description: |
Glass beads, antelope hide, fiber, 21 x 20 1/4 in. |
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Creator: |
Ndebele People |
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: |
The mapotho, or lipothu, a beaded apron with two small flaps separated by a fringed panel, is worn by married women, and is worn after the birth of the first child. The flanking flaps are said to represent the mother and father, and the fringed panel between them symbolizes their children. Early 20th century examples such as this one, have an abundance of white beads interspersed with geometric motifs of colored translucent beads, and often depict an ariel view of a homestead. Later versions incorporate images from the environment. |
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Acquisition: |
University Gallery Purchase |
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