Photo of collection object Collar (Ingqosha)
Xhosa (Thembu subgroup). Collar (Ingqosha), early 20th century. Glass seed beads, sinew, Lower curve length: 27 x 5 in. (68.6 x 12.7 cm) Upper curve: 15 in. (38.1 cm). Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Blum, 66.86.14. Creative Commons-BY.

Collar (Ingqosha)

early 20th century

Xhosa (Thembu subgroup)

Arts of Africa

This necklace would have been worn by a young man along with an ensemble of other necklaces, belts, and head, arm, and leg bands as an indication of his new adult status, following circumcision. Visually setting off the head from the rest of the torso, it would have provided a background for other beaded neck ornaments.
Classification
Accessories
Formatted Medium
Glass seed beads, sinew
Dimensions
Lower curve length: 27 x 5 in. (68.6 x 12.7 cm) Upper curve: 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Departments
Arts of Africa
Accession Number
66.86.14
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Blum
Rights Statement
Creative Commons-BY
Dominant Colors

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