ARTIST: Ndebele (South Africa)

TITLE: Ndebele Jocolo (Married Woman’s Skirt)

MEDIUM: Hand-beaded Leather Skirt

DATE: Mid-20th Century

PRICE: Please Inquire

Beautiful Ndebele Jocolo skirt of a married woman. Hand-beaded five-panel leather apron with bronze link chain timing at the top. In beautiful condition with traditional small colored beads in white, blue, pink, black, green, red, and brown.

PROVENANCE:

The Natalie Knight & Suzanne Priebatsch Collection, Collected in the field c. 1980.

This rare Ndebele Jocolo is a fine example of beadwork and textiles from South Africa.  The Jocolo is hand-made with small intricate beadwork on a goatskin base. The top trim of the skirt has a section of bronze link-chain and a small tail of hide.

The five paneled Jocolo (skirt or apron) would have been worn by a married woman at important ceremonial occasions. The small panels on the sides indicate the birth of children.The small white beads along with the other colorful geometric patterns indicated the time-period. The geometric pattern is a fine example of the Ndebele style, representing the floorpan of an Ndebele house.

Coming directly from the Natalie Knight & Suzanne Priebatsch collection, this rare Ndebele Jocolo is a premium example of Ndebele Beadwork. Saving original beadwork pieces from various time periods, Suzanne and Natalie have written multiple books on the cultural practices and vibrant art of the Ndebele. Considered experts on the subject, they have made it their life’s work to educate the public about Ndebele beadwork, sourcing pieces to various museum collections including the British Museum, The Royal Ontario Museum, and The Smithsonian.

DO YOU HAVE ONE TO SELL?