A DogTooth Necklace Ingcaca

Xhosa

South Africa

late 19th-early 20th century

35.5 x 4 cm

Materials: dog teeth, glass beads and sinew, brass button

Animal teeth necklaces were an integral accoutrement of the traditional bridal attire of a Xhosa woman. This old tooth and glass bead necklace is made by interspersing the teeth with black padre beads on a sinew with blue and two pink(sic) beads forming a loop on one end and a button at the other end to fasten it. An old attached tag reads, “7/91”.

Provenance: ex Alain Guisson Collection, Brussels

Reference:

For related examples: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af-4656 https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1908-308 https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af-8507

INV: 4217

Price

€ 1000