Description
This goatskin garment would have been worn by a married woman—but its designs and bead colors indicate a different regional affiliation and fashion preference. Because this apron is fully covered in beads, it was probably reserved for special occasions rather than part of everyday wear. As in this example, the rows of beads along each of the side edges were typically made from iron, providing extra weight to keep the apron in place.
Provenance
African Tribal Art Gallery De Ruijter–Van Santen, the Netherlands; sold to Michael R. Mack, Atlanta, 2014; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 2024.
Accession Number
271731
Medium
Goatskin, glass beads, leather, and metal
Dimensions
on plexi backing: 68.6 × 35 × 6.4 cm (27 × 13 3/4 × 2 1/2 in.)
Classification
apron (main garment)
Credit Line
Gift of the Michael R. Mack Collection