Woman's Modesty Apron

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.

Woman's Modesty Apron

Turkana

20th century

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)

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of the Michael R. Mack Collection