Woman's Apron

Description

Short aprons are important to the history of women's dress in many parts of Africa. Although rarely worn today outside of ceremonial contexts, aprons such as this were considered appropriate coverings well into the mid-20th century. At their most sophisticated such aprons demonstrate a range of abstract compositions and explore variations in geometry, color, and texture. This apron featrues shifting diagonal lines arranged in upper and lower registers that contrast cool and warm colors.

Provenance

Martial Bronsin, Brussels, Belgium, before 2000; sold to Andrés Moraga, Berkeley, Calif., by 2000; sold to the Art Institute, 2000.

Woman's Apron

Grasslands

Mid–20th century

Accession Number

155989

Medium

Cotton thread, glass beads, and cowrie shells

Dimensions

30.5 × 54.7 × 1.3 cm (12 × 21 1/2 × 1/2 in.)

Classification

fiber

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

O. Renard Goltra Endowment