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Object Timeline

1920

  • Work on this object ended.

1931

  • We acquired this object.

1970

2013

2022

2025

  • You found it!

Necklace (South Africa)

This is a necklace. It is dated late 19th–early 20th century and we acquired it in 1931. Its medium is glass beads, metal fasteners and its technique is woven. It is a part of the Textiles department.

Patterned beadwork was traditionally worn by Zulu and Xhosa women and men to indicate status and rites of passage. Necklaces such as this could also be used for communication between courting couples.

This object was donated by Sarah Cooper Hewitt. It is credited Gift of Sarah Cooper Hewitt.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 5.1 x 54 cm (2 x 21 1/4 in.)

Cite this object as

Necklace (South Africa); glass beads, metal fasteners; H x W: 5.1 x 54 cm (2 x 21 1/4 in.); Gift of Sarah Cooper Hewitt; 1931-25-7

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Duro Olowu Selects.

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18318081/ |title=Necklace (South Africa) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=5 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>