African Arts Gallery

Contemporary artists from South Africa create dolls filled with a multitude of glass beads. Touching and decorative, these works also alternate various metal elements and shells, distinguishing the skill and creative sense of their designers. The pearls here are an iridescent dark blue.
During the 19th century, tribes united to form the group called Zulu, whose local chiefs, led by the king, are called iduma. Their society is that of warriors organized into age groups. It was in 1884 that they were annexed by the English. Skilled in making ornaments, the Zulus work with leather, metal and ceramics, adding feathers and beads. Pearls, while having a protective role, indicate the social situation of those who wear them.