Beaded doll from South Africa - Lot 119

Beaded doll from South Africa Contemporary South African artists create dolls adorned with a multitude of glass beads. Touching and decorative, these works alternate between various metal elements and shells, demonstrating the skill and creativity of their creators. A few strands of beads are detached on the back of the headdress. 53 x 12 cm During the 19th century, tribes united to form the Zulu group, whose local chiefs, headed by the king, are called iduma. Their society is one of warriors organized into age groups. They were annexed by the British in 1884. Skilled in the creation of ornaments, the Zulus work leather, metal and ceramics, adding feathers and pearls. Beads, while having a protective role, also indicate the wearer's social status.