Chest Ornament (Bibika)

Description

Distinctive, cylindrically shaped glass beads were imported to Africa in the early 20th century, where they captured the imagination of the Yaka and related peoples, who called them n-saanga. They were used to adorn chiefly headdresses and to make women’s anklets, ear pendants, necklaces, and large chest ornaments. The fringe of this red chest ornament terminates in small spiral-shaped Zimbu shells, which were commonly used as beads and currency in the region before the introduction of glass beads. [See also 2000.450].

Provenance

Georges Meurant, Brussels, Belgium, by 1994 [Analogies III 1994]; sold to Andrés Moraga, Berkeley, Calif., by 2000; sold to the Art Institute, 2000.

Chest Ornament (Bibika)

Yaka

Mid–20th century

Accession Number

155974

Medium

Glass beads, cotton thread, coins, and shells

Dimensions

26.7 × 27.4 × 1.3 cm (10 1/2 × 10 3/4 × 1/2 in.)

Classification

costume

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Arnold Crane Endowment