Object Details
- Label Text
- Mapotos are rectangular aprons worn by Ndebele women to indicate married status; they are worn primarily for ceremonial occasions. Characteristically, beadwork on these garments forms three horizontal registers; the bottom one is centrally divided by a section of leather fringe.
- Description
- Tall rectangular leather panel on cloth backing. Open squares and beaded geometric motifs. Leather fringe with glass beads at bottom center.
- Provenance
- Norman and Susan Priebatsch, -- to 1977
- Chaim and Renee Gross, New York, 1978 to 1983
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Ndebele artist
- Date
- Mid 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Gross
- Medium
- Leather, cloth glass beads
- Dimensions
- H x W: 62.2 x 45.7 cm (24 1/2 x 18 in.)
- Type
- Textile and Fiber Arts
