Zulu Beaded Leather DIVINERS Skirt, South Africa Start Price USD 1,500.00 Current Price USD 1,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, October 02, 2008 End Time Saturday, November 01, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Zulu Beaded Leather DIVINERS Skirt, South Africa' Description Zulu beaded leather DIVINER'S Skirt, South AfricaType of Object: Beadwork  Ethnic Group: ZuluCountry of Origin: South AfricaMaterials: leather, beadsApproximate Age: Early to mid 20th century        Dimensions:   31 inches W. x 11 inches H.     Overall Condition:  Good     Damage, Repair:   none, general wear     Additional Information:  An extraordinary and  rare piece! This is a Zulu beaded leather  worn by a diviner and healer  called Sangoma. This skirt is pat of his/her ceremonial attire. The pleated skirt is made of leather and decorated with cotton strips (layers)and beads. Zulu beadwork has been valued as currency, decoration, and also as a marker of identity. Disingwayo the uncle of Shaka and Shaka himself, controlled the bead trade and monopolized not only the beads themselves but also the colors and designs available to groups within Shaka’s control. Beadwork became a status symbol and an important item of personal expression as well. Stylistic variations of beadwork such as pattern, color and color sequence indicate area or group affiliation.  Recently beadwork has become a symbol of political identity as well, with color and pattern indicating political affiliation. Instead of beads being worn only by the conservative, traditional members of the community, wearing beadwork is increasingly being seen as reclaiming a cultural identity.See a similar example in "ZULU TREASURES"-AMAGUGU KAZULU**006355** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!