beaded matchbox ornament

unrecorded Zulu artist, artist

beaded matchbox ornament, 1960–1965

Where object was made: South Africa

Material/technique: cardboard; beading

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 13 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 5 1/8 x 2 15/16 x 1 in

Credit line: Gift of Anne Hart

Accession number: 2007.3366

Not on display

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Label texts

This decorated matchbox is one of the many diverse objects that Zulu people decorate with beads. The Zulu people call beads ubuhla-lu, which translates to “that which makes me stay” or “that which gives me life,” because beads serve as a means of communication and symbolism through their color combinations and patterns. Beadworking is taught to women and girls partly as a mode to share messages. Also, depending on the color and motifs used, traditional bead adornments are used by courting youths to express their love.

Exhibition Label:
"Roots and Journeys: Encountering Global Arts and Cultures," Dec-2014, Cassandra Mesick
This decorated matchbox is one of the many diverse objects that Zulu people decorate with beads. The Zulu people call beads ubuhla-lu, which translates to “that which makes me stay” or “that which gives me life,” because beads serve as a means of communication and symbolism through their color combinations and patterns. Beadworking is taught to women and girls partly as a mode to share messages. Also, depending on the color and motifs used, traditional bead adornments are used by courting youths to express their love.