Description
Bead working continues to be an important art form in parts of Africa to this day. The range of styles and compositions in aprons from northern Cameroon reflect the skill, virtuosity, and creativity of the women who designed and produced them. This apron plays on a theme of diamond shapes with shifting patterns and colors. Among the subtle details of the composition are five light-blue diamonds in the apron's upper edge, balanced at the bottom by the eight small blue beads in the otherwise all yellow fringe with cowrie shells along the bottom of the skirt.
Provenance
Martial Bronsin, Brussels, Belgium, before 2000; sold to Andrés Moraga, Berkeley, Calif., by 2000; sold to the Art Institute, 2000.
Accession Number
155984
Medium
Cotton thread, glass beads, and cowrie shells
Dimensions
55.9 × 20.3 cm (22 × 8 in.) (e×cluding ties; including fringe)
Classification
fiber
Credit Line
O. Renard Goltra Endowment